Fall Veggies: Best Vegetables to Plant in Texas Now

As the summer heat begins to wane in Texas, fall brings an ideal opportunity to plant a variety of vegetables. With cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, autumn is an excellent time to prepare your garden for a bountiful harvest in the coming months. Let's explore the best vegetables to plant in the fall in Texas, along with some tips to ensure a successful growing season.

Texas, with its diverse climate zones, offers gardeners a wide range of options for fall planting. In the cooler regions, such as North and Central Texas, you can plant a variety of cool-season vegetables. Meanwhile, gardeners in the warmer southern regions can still grow heat-tolerant vegetables and those that thrive in the cooler nights and warmer days of fall.

Cool-Season Vegetables for North and Central Texas

In the cooler regions of Texas, fall is the perfect time to plant vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures. These crops can be harvested throughout the winter and into early spring, making the most of the mild Texas winters.

Some popular cool-season vegetables to plant in North and Central Texas in the fall include:

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and collard greens
• Brassicas: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips
• Alliums: Garlic, onions, and leeks
• Peas and beans: Snap peas, English peas, and bush beans

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow in Texas. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested within a few weeks of planting. To ensure a continuous supply, plant successive crops every two to three weeks.

Some popular leafy greens for fall planting include:

• Lettuce: 'Buttercrunch', 'Red Sails', and 'Black-Seeded Simpson'
• Spinach: 'Space' and 'Bloomsdale Long Standing'
• Kale: 'Lacinato' and 'Red Russian'
• Collard greens: 'Georgia Southern' and 'Vates'

Brassicas

Brassicas, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are a diverse group that includes cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. These vegetables require more time to mature but can be harvested throughout the winter and into early spring.

Some popular brassicas for fall planting include:

• Cabbage: 'Savoy Perfection' and 'Red Acre'
• Broccoli: 'Calabrese' and 'Packman'
• Cauliflower: 'Cheddar' and 'Snow Crown'
• Brussels sprouts: 'Oliver' and 'Long Island Improved'

Warm-Season Vegetables for South Texas

In the warmer regions of Texas, fall can still be an excellent time to plant heat-tolerant vegetables and those that thrive in the cooler nights and warmer days. These crops can be harvested throughout the winter and into early spring.

Some popular warm-season vegetables to plant in South Texas in the fall include:

• Greens: Mustard greens, turnip greens, and collard greens
• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, and radishes
• Alliums: Garlic, onions, and leeks
• Peppers: Bell peppers, jalapeños, and chili peppers
• Eggplant: 'Black Beauty' and 'Ichiban'

Greens

Greens, such as mustard and turnip greens, are heat-tolerant and can be planted in the fall for a winter harvest. These vegetables prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Some popular greens for fall planting include:

• Mustard greens: 'Tendergreen' and 'Southern Giant Curled'
• Turnip greens: 'Tokyo Cross' and 'Hakurei'
• Collard greens: 'Georgia Southern' and 'Vates'

Peppers

Peppers, both sweet and hot, can be planted in the fall in South Texas for a winter harvest. These vegetables prefer well-draining soil and full sun. To ensure a continuous supply, plant successive crops every two to three weeks.

Some popular peppers for fall planting include:

• Bell peppers: 'California Wonder' and 'Sweet Banana'
• Jalapeños: 'Mild Jalapeño' and 'TAM Jalapeño'
• Chili peppers: 'Cayenne' and 'Serrano'

When planting vegetables in the fall, it's essential to prepare your garden beds by adding plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility. Additionally, consider using row covers or cold frames to protect your plants from frost and extend the growing season.

Fall is an ideal time to plant vegetables in Texas, offering gardeners a wide range of options to suit their climate and preferences. By choosing the right crops and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the winter and into early spring. So, get out there and start planting – your garden (and your taste buds) will thank you!