Spring Gardening in South Texas: What to Plant & Expert Tips
Spring in South Texas is a fantastic time to start your garden! With warm temperatures and a long growing season, you can enjoy fresh vegetables for months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, spring is the perfect time to get your hands in the soil.
I’m planting a variety of vegetables this season, including tomatoes, leafy greens, peppers, and squash—but there’s so much more you can grow! Let’s explore what I’m planting, plus some expert tips for a thriving South Texas garden.
🌱 What I’m Planting This Spring
These are the crops I’m focusing on based on South Texas’s climate and planting recommendations:
Tomatoes (March - July) 🍅
Varieties: Red Cherry, Beefsteak, Roma
Tomatoes love warm soil! Start indoors in February or plant directly in March.
Provide cages or stakes for support and water consistently to prevent cracking and blossom-end rot.
Leafy Greens & Brassicas 🥬
Dinosaur Kale (Feb-March, Aug-Oct) – Loves cool mornings but needs afternoon shade in warmer months.
Dwarf Blue Curled Kale (April-Aug) – Heat-tolerant and great for summer.
Green Wave Mustard (Sept-March) – Can handle mild frosts, making it great for early spring.
Fordhook Chard (Feb-March, July-Oct) – Thrives in both warm and cool weather.
Swiss Chard (Feb-May, Aug-Sept) – Keeps producing with regular harvesting.
Celery (Feb-March, July-Aug & Aug-Sept) 🌿
Utah Celery grows best with consistent moisture and nutrient-rich soil.
Summer Vegetables (March - Sept) 🌞
Zucchini (March-Sept) – Fast-growing and high-yielding.
Summer Squash (April-Aug) – Needs full sun and rich soil for best production.
Peppers (Dec - March) 🌶️
Sweet Red Bell Peppers – These take longer to mature, so an early start is key!
Brussels Sprouts (July - Dec) 🥦
A long-season crop that prefers the cooler months. Start mid-summer for a great fall harvest.
🌼 But There’s So Much More You Can Grow!
While these are the crops I’m planting, South Texas offers a wide variety of gardening possibilities. You can also grow:
Herbs – Basil, cilantro, oregano, thyme, and mint thrive here.
Melons – Cantaloupe and watermelon love the heat.
Beans & Peas – Green beans, black-eyed peas, and pole beans do well in the warmth.
Okra – Perfect for the Texas heat and easy to grow.
Corn – Needs space but thrives with full sun and rich soil.
🌿 South Texas Gardening Tips & Tricks
1️⃣ Know Your Planting Zones
South Texas falls under USDA Hardiness Zones 8b-9a, meaning mild winters and hot summers. Spring planting starts early, but be prepared to provide shade in the hottest months.
2️⃣ Soil Preparation is Key
Use well-draining soil enriched with compost.
Add organic matter like aged manure to boost nutrients.
Check soil pH (ideal for veggies: 6.0-6.8).
3️⃣ Water Wisely 💧
Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
Tomatoes, celery, and chard need consistent moisture to prevent issues like blossom-end rot.
Use mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
4️⃣ Protect from Heat & Pests
Shade cloth helps leafy greens survive hot afternoons.
Companion planting (e.g., basil with tomatoes) repels pests naturally.
Watch for aphids, caterpillars, and squash vine borers—use neem oil or insecticidal soap when needed.
5️⃣ Maximize Harvest with Succession Planting
Start with cool-weather crops like mustard greens and kale, then transition to heat-tolerant veggies like peppers and squash.
Rotate crops to prevent soil depletion and pests.
🍃 Final Thoughts
Spring in South Texas is a gardener’s paradise! By choosing the right crops, preparing your soil, and managing water effectively, you can enjoy a productive, thriving garden all season long.
These are the plants I’m growing, but there’s so much more you can do! Whether you’re expanding your vegetable garden, adding fresh herbs, or trying new flowers, spring is the perfect time to grow something amazing.
What are you most excited to plant this year? Let’s chat in the comments! 🌿✨
