Gardening in Central Texas gardening is about rhythm — understanding how heat, humidity, and clay-heavy soils shift with the seasons. As the weather turns cooler and

we receive unexpected rainfall smart preparation now means fewer losses, richer soil, and

earlier blooms come spring.

● Clear out old crops and summer weeds.

● Amend and feed soil before it hardens in winter.

● Plant hardy crops and cover crops for soil vitality.

● Mulch generously to regulate moisture and prevent freezing.

● Protect less hardy perennials if you want to extend the season and maintain irrigation systems.

Setting Up for Seasonal Transition

Start your fall prep by removing all plant debris. Clean beds

discourage pests and create a blank slate for soil work. Take inventory of your garden

layout — note which areas received the best drainage and sunlight this year to plan your

winter plantings.

If you like keeping tidy garden records, this may help — you can merge planting charts, soil

reports, and seasonal photos into one organized file for future reference.

Soil Revitalization Before the Cold

Healthy soil means resilient plants. In East Texas, clay-rich soil often becomes compacted

after heavy summer rain, so early fall is ideal for deep amendment.

Checklist for Soil Revitalization

● Add 2–3 inches of compost to boost microbial activity.

● Incorporate bone meal for root health.

● Avoid over-tilling — light mixing preserves soil structure.

● Water thoroughly to settle new amendments.

For accurate readings, try a Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit — it’s user-friendly and

provides clear results in minutes.

What to Plant in Fall

Fall and winter don’t mean downtime — they mean transition. East Texas’s mild winters

allow cool-weather vegetables and soil-enhancing cover crops to flourish.

Recommended Fall Plantings

● Leafy greens: Kale, collards, mustard, spinach

● Root crops: Carrots, radishes, beets

● Alliums: Garlic, onions, leeks

● Cover crops: Rye, clover, vetch

For fresh regional seeds, consider High Mowing Organic Seeds — they carry hardy, non-

GMO options suited to Southern climates.

Frost Protection and Maintenance

Task Timing Tools Needed

Mulch garden beds Early November to keep soil temperature

stable

Cover tender plants Before first frost with a Frost blanket Remove during warm spells

Drain hoses Before freeze Hose-end

sprayer

Prevents cracking

Prune perennials After dormancy Pruning shears Avoid cutting too early

Clean tools End of season Linseed oil Prevents rust

A lightweight, breathable frost Blanket can save young plants from unexpected

cold snaps while letting moisture and sunlight through.

How-To — Building a Protective Mulch Layer

Step-by-Step:

1. Remove weeds and leftover mulch.

2. Lay compost or soil conditioner first.

3. Add 3–4 inches of organic mulch (leaves, or shredded bark).

4. Keep mulch a few inches from plant crowns to prevent rot.

5. Replenish mid-winter if it decomposes.

Garden Infrastructure & Tool Care

Winter is tool-care season. Drain irrigation lines, clean birdbaths, and store fertilizers in

airtight bins. Sharpen your shears, oil wooden handles, and inspect trellises for rot.

A pair of sharp pruners are an excellent all-season investment. Clean them and sharpen as needed an you’re good to go.

FAQ

Q: When should I water before a freeze?

A: Water deeply 24 hours before a hard freeze. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil,

protecting roots.

Q: Can I still compost through winter?

A: Yes. Cover the pile with a tarp to retain heat and turn it every few weeks.

Q: What are the easiest winter crops?

A: Collards and kale — both thrive in cooler soil and even taste sweeter after light frost.

Q: Should I bring containers indoors?

A: Move tropicals and succulents inside when night temps drop below 40°F.

Glossary



● Mulch: Material that protects soil and retains moisture.

● Cover crop: Plants grown to enrich and protect soil in off-seasons.

● Dormancy: Plant rest phase during cold weather.

● Compost: Organic matter that feeds soil microbes and nutrients.

In Central Texas gardening doesn’t end in November — it resets. By enriching your soil,

protecting your plants, and maintaining your tools, you ensure spring growth starts strong

and steady. Fall is not downtime; it’s investment time. Treat your garden now, and it’ll

reward you with a thriving ecosystem when warmth returns.