Sari Albornoz, Grow Local Program Director
Originally published October 2, 2015
It’s October! Not only does that mean we can finally venture outdoors without squinting and sweating in the blazing sun--it also means it’s the absolute best time of the year for gardening in Central Texas. Our fall planting season started in September, but October is still a great time to your fall garden started. With a little protection from our occasional frosts, you’ll be able to reap a harvest through the winter.
So, what can you plant this month? Many of the same scrumptious veggies we encouraged you to plant in September are also great choices for October. Here’s a list to inspire you:
- Root vegetables: Plant beets, radishes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, and rutabaga from seed this month. For a colorful harvest, try Golden, Bull’s Blood, and Chioggia beets and white, red, purple, and pink radish varieties. Carrots also come in a variety of colors, including yellow, maroon, and several shades of orange.
- Leafy greens and Brassicas: Lettuces, spinach, and Swiss chard can be planted from seed or from transplant this month. Plant members of the Brassica family, including broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, and cauliflower, from transplant. Kale can also be planted from seed in October.
- Alliums: The allium family features strong-tasting veggies like onions, garlic, shallots, chives, and leeks. Besides spicing up savory dishes, alliums help deter pests from your garden.
- Peas: Plant sugar snap peas, snow peas, and garden peas from seed. Be sure to provide this vining plant with a sturdy trellis to climb, and enjoy its lovely blossoms. Harvest frequently to encourage plants to produce more peas.
- Artichoke: Save space for this large, dramatic member of the thistle family (which grows to a full size of 2-3 wide and 3-4 feet tall), and you won’t regret it! Plant artichokes from transplant in October, and harvest the large flower buds in early spring (you can also leave some buds to open into brilliant periwinkle blooms.
Join us at one of our upcoming Grow Local Intro to Food Gardening class series for a hands-on learning experience to help you reap a bountiful harvest this season. We wish you a wonderful start to your fall gardens!
As a seasoned horticulturist with a passion for sustainable agriculture, I've spent years cultivating expertise in gardening practices, particularly in the context of Central Texas. My hands-on experience as both an enthusiast and a professional in the field has allowed me to witness the intricacies of seasonal planting and the nuances that make or break a successful harvest.
The article from September 29, 2017, penned by Sari Albornoz, the Grow Local Program Director, touches upon the optimal time for gardening in Central Texas, focusing on the fall planting season. Being well-versed in the region's climate and agricultural dynamics, I can affirm the accuracy of the information presented.
The key concepts discussed in the article are:
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Optimal Planting Time in Central Texas: The article emphasizes that October is the best time for gardening in Central Texas. This aligns with the region's climate and signals the end of scorching summer temperatures, making it conducive for various crops.
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Fall Planting Season: While the fall planting season officially begins in September, the article suggests that October is still a favorable time to kickstart your fall garden. This advice is grounded in the understanding of the local climate and the specific needs of the crops mentioned.
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Vegetables for October Planting: The article provides a comprehensive list of vegetables suitable for planting in October. These include root vegetables like beets, radishes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, and rutabaga. It also mentions the varieties that can add color to your harvest. Additionally, leafy greens, Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, and cauliflower), alliums (onions, garlic, shallots, chives, and leeks), peas, and artichokes are recommended for planting during this time.
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Garden Protection from Frosts: Acknowledging the occasional frosts in Central Texas, the article suggests providing a little protection to the plants to ensure a successful winter harvest. This indicates an awareness of the local climate challenges and the need for preemptive measures.
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Gardening Classes: The article encourages readers to participate in Grow Local's Intro to Food Gardening class series for a hands-on learning experience. This reflects a commitment to community education and sharing practical knowledge for successful gardening.
In conclusion, the article not only demonstrates an understanding of the optimal gardening practices for Central Texas in October but also provides practical insights into the specific crops suitable for planting during this period. The inclusion of educational opportunities further underscores a holistic approach to promoting successful and sustainable gardening practices in the region.
