Vegetable Gardens in North Texas
Before North Texas became home to over six million people, farmers grew a variety of crops on the land, including vegetables. Today, an increasing number of suburbanites and city dwellers continue to grow vegetables on small plots, in community gardens and in containers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Time Frame
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Vegetable gardens in North Texas can produce crops all year given correct varietal selection and protection. Most gardeners, however, choose to grow vegetables in spring and fall due to sustained summer heat and the threat of hard freezes in winter.
Geography
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North Texas landscapes provide a flat surface for vegetable gardening with rain in spring and fall. The average annual rainfall exceeds 30 inches, but often comes in multi-inch downpours followed by periods of extended dry conditions. As part of the Great Plains, Texas vegetable gardeners must contend with severe spring storms that can damage young plants.
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Considerations
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North Texas soil has high clay content and tends toward an alkaline pH, which challenges successful vegetable gardens. Many vegetable gardeners choose to use raised beds with soil composed of equal parts compost, dirt and peat moss. Add mulch to moderate soil temperature, retain moisture and control weeds. Supplemental water is required.
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References
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