Houston – Think your gardening season is winding down? Not in Houston.
As temperatures begin to cool, it’s time to start thinking about your fall garden. Carol Burton, director of permaculture at Urban Harvest, says the cooler season gives Houston gardeners an opportunity to grow a variety of vegetables that thrive from fall into early spring.
Burton recommends getting started with crops such as lettuce, cabbage and carrots, along with other cool-season favorites. Urban Harvest’s fall planting calendar breaks down what to plant each month, making it easier to plan your garden throughout the season.
Timing is key
For fall gardening success, paying attention to timing, soil temperature and the highs and lows of the day can make a big difference.
Gardeners can start plants from seed or use transplants. Seeds can be a more economical option, while transplants give plants a head start. If you’re starting plants indoors, Burton recommends gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions, especially while Houston temperatures are still hot.
Watering is also especially important during the first couple of weeks after planting. Burton recommends keeping newly planted crops moist without overwatering them as they establish their roots.
No backyard? No problem.
You don’t need a large garden to grow your own vegetables. Container gardening can work for small spaces, including patios, balconies and even windowsills.
When using containers, choose one that gives the plant enough room for its roots. During the demonstration, Burton used a container with enough depth for the root zone and showed how to properly transplant a young plant.
Add some color
A fall garden can be both edible and beautiful. Urban Harvest recommends adding edible flowers such as marigolds, pansies and violas, which can thrive in cooler weather.
Marigolds can also serve as companion plants in the garden. Burton explained that the fragrance from certain flowers can help with ecological pest control when plants are grown together.
Make the most of your space
One way to maximize a container garden is by combining larger plants with smaller crops. During the demonstration, Burton planted lettuce seeds around a cauliflower plant to create a small salad garden.
For tiny lettuce seeds, she recommends sprinkling them directly onto the soil surface. As the plants grow, they can be harvested as baby greens.
Resources
Urban Harvest’s planting calendar can help Houston gardeners decide what to plant and when, while a little attention to timing, watering and soil can help set those crops up for success.
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