Fall Growing in
TEXAS
THE BEST CROPS FOR a
Successful Fall Harvest
Boost Your Garden's Productivity with These Ideal Fall Crops for Texas's Climate!
Broccoli
How To Grow:
Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Broccoli prefers cooler temperatures.
Soil Preparation: Work compost into the soil before planting to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Planting: Start broccoli seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly sow seeds in early spring. Transplant seedlings when they have a few leaves.
Spacing: Plant seedlings about 18-24 inches apart in rows with 2-3 feet between rows.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the head-forming stage. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and again when the heads start forming. Follow the package instructions.
Pest and Disease Management: Watch for cabbage worms and aphids. Consider using row covers or organic insecticides to protect your plants.
Harvesting: Harvest the main head when it's firm and tight. Cut the stem at an angle. After the main head is harvested, smaller side shoots will develop and can also be harvested.
Brussels Sprouts
How To Grow: Brussels Sprouts:
Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Brussels sprouts thrive in cooler temperatures.
Soil Preparation: Work in compost and well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and texture.
Planting: Start Brussels sprouts indoors 12-14 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings when they have a few sets of leaves and the soil has warmed up.
Spacing: Plant Brussels sprout seedlings about 2 feet apart, leaving 2-3 feet between rows.
Support: Provide stakes or supports for your Brussels sprout plants, especially as they grow taller.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during head formation. Mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and side-dress with nitrogen when the plants are about knee-high.
Pest and Disease Management: Watch for cabbage worms and aphids. Using row covers or natural predators can help protect your plants.
Harvesting: Harvest Brussels sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards as the sprouts mature and feel firm.
Onions
How To Grow:
Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Onions prefer loose, fertile soil.
Soil Preparation: Work in compost and well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil fertility and texture.
Planting: Plant onion sets (small bulbs) or transplants in early spring. Set them just below the soil surface with the tip pointing up.
Spacing: Space onion sets or transplants about 4-6 inches apart in rows with 12-18 inches between rows.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Onions have shallow roots, so regular watering is important.
Fertilization: Onions benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied at planting and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer as they grow.
Pest and Disease Management: Watch for onion thrips and onion maggots. Applying neem oil or using row covers can help protect your crop.
Harvesting: Onions can be harvested once the tops have turned yellow and fallen over. Carefully lift them from the soil and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area.
