Gardening in Central Texas

Gardening can be a tricky proposition for new comers to central Texas. At first glance, it seems that the long summer would be ideal for growing all kinds of fantastic items, but in fact no. The heat is too intense, the rain too infrequent, to support most of what northerners consider viable summer crops.

If you insist upon gardening in the summer, you must plant early. Long-maturing crops, that is crops that need 90-120 days, are best for summer gardens. The average last freeze date in Austin is March 18. With that in mind, plant the following from mid-February to mid-March:
* Beets
* Your cole crops, such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi
* Carrots
* Chard
* Garlic
* Okra
* Onion
* Parsley
* Radishes
* Spinach
* Turnips
* Asparagus
April to May is good for corn, cucumbers (if you are brave enough to even try), beans, peas, tomato and pepper transplants, and watermelon. You'll find that more traditional southern crops, like okra, greens, and black-eyed peas, are generally more resistant to hot temperatures and low moisture.

Simply adhering to the schedule will not necessarily ensure your success. Before planting, preparing your beds by tilling or working them by hand is critical to aerating the soil. Try planting the same day or the day after you have prepared your beds, to prevent tiny weeds that have been brought to the surface by your ministrations from germinating and becoming a nuisance.

You'll also need to add nutrients to the soil. Compost is one of your best fertilizers and can be made at home or purchased from garden supply stores. One garden shopping gem in Austin is the Natural Gardener on Old Bee Caves road. There, you can buy a wide variety of organic composts in a more economical bag-it-yourself format.

Once you have planted your seeds or transplants, you really must well mulch them to protect them from the harsh Texas sun. After planting, cover with at least 3 inches of mulch, though the amount you use varies according to the type of mulch being employed. The best mulches include shredded cedar, hardwood bark, or native tree trimmings, as well as leaves or compost. Even hay can be an effective mulch if used in sufficient quantities. Mulch protects the soil from the extreme temperatures, shades out weeds, conserves moisture, and helps supply nutrients to the soil.

Winter gardening may be an easier pursuit, because of the more gentile climate. The average first freeze date in Austin is November 22, so vegetables that mature in 30-70 days are ideal for fall planting. September is a good time to plant from seeds the following: beans, the cole crops, carrots, cucumbers, summer squash and potatoes. If you hanker after corn, pumpkins, or winter squash, plant those seeds in early August. You can put mustard greens, onions, radishes, spinach, and turnips in through early to late November.

Before planting your winter garden, you should amend the soil with a good few inches of compost, again working by hand or tilling so that the soil is well aerated. If you are planting seedlings, you need to shade your soil so that they won't be instantly fried. Cool off the soil like this for a few days before planting. When you are ready to plant, do not set your transplants out in full sun in dry soil. Without recent rain, you need to well water your soil for a least a day or two before planting.

And again, don't forget to heavily mulch. Leaves, grass, or any of the mulches mentioned above will help keep your newly planted beds at a reasonable temperature until your seedlings can really take root.

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