A successful vegetable garden in North Texas starts with respecting our climate: long, hot summers, mild winters, and an unforgiving stretch from late June through August. The trick is to plant the right crop at the right time.
Cool-season crops (plant in late winter and early fall)
These crops thrive in cool weather and bolt or burn in summer heat.
- Leafy greens — lettuce, spinach, arugula, chard, kale
- Root vegetables — carrots, beets, radishes, turnips
- Brassicas — broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts
- Onions and garlic — plant onion sets in January; garlic in October
Spring planting window: Mid-February through mid-March Fall planting window: Late August through October
Warm-season crops (plant after last frost)
Our average last frost in Wichita Falls is around March 25. Wait until the soil has warmed to at least 60°F.
- Tomatoes — start with 4–6” transplants, not seed; plant deep
- Peppers — sweet and hot peppers love our heat
- Squash — both summer and winter varieties
- Cucumbers and melons
- Beans — bush varieties work best
Spring planting window: Late March through April
Summer survival
Once temperatures climb above 90°F, growth slows for most crops. Mulch heavily, water deeply but less frequently, and consider shade cloth for the most heat-sensitive plants. This is a good time to plant okra, southern peas, and sweet potatoes — true heat lovers.
Fall reset
Late August is the second spring of the Texas garden. Replant brassicas, lettuces, and root crops for harvest through Thanksgiving and beyond.
Stop in and we’ll help you pick varieties that have proven themselves in our soil.