The 5 Best Fall Vegetables to Plant in Central Texas (Even If You’re Late)
If you’ve gardened in Central Texas for a while, you know the usual “fall planting calendar” doesn’t always fit. The heat lingers, the soil stays warm, and our version of fall often doesn’t show up until October—or later. The good news? That means your planting window is wider than most guides suggest.
With the right crops, you can still get a productive fall garden, even if you’re just now getting started. Here are five vegetables that thrive in our Central Texas climate when planted late.
(Looking for a bigger picture? Check out our guide on Fall Companion Planting
1. Collard Greens
Collards are tough. They can handle heat on the front end, shrug off cold snaps later, and grow steadily through winter with just a little protection. You can plant them as late as early November and keep harvesting for months.
Tips:
- Direct seed or transplant
- Space 12–18 inches apart
- Harvest lower leaves regularly for a cut-and-come-again crop
- We love making a pot of classic Southern Style Collard Greens
2. Radishes
If you want a quick win, radishes are your best bet. They’re fast, fuss-free, and happy in Central Texas soil. Most varieties are ready in just 3–4 weeks, and you can keep sowing them every couple of weeks into December.
Tips:
- Sow directly and thin early
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Try varieties like Cherry Belle or French Breakfast for reliability
3. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is spinach’s tougher, more colorful cousin. It handles lingering heat better, grows quickly in the fall, and keeps producing into early spring. Plus, rainbow varieties brighten up both your garden beds and your kitchen plates.
Tips:
- Plant in partial shade if temps stay warm
- Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants going
- Mix in rainbow varieties for added color and flavor
4. Turnips
Turnips pull double duty—offering both tender roots and nutrient-packed greens. They like cooler nights but don’t mind warm soil when you plant, making them perfect for late fall.
Tips:
- Direct sow by mid-November
- Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart
- Harvest roots when they’re 2–3 inches across for best flavor
5. Arugula
Peppery, fast-growing, and forgiving—arugula is tailor-made for Central Texas fall gardens. It germinates in warm soil, thrives as nights cool off, and can be resown every few weeks for a steady harvest.
Tips:
- Sow in shallow furrows
- Pick young for a milder flavor
- Resow every 2–3 weeks for continuous greens
Bonus: Know Your Zone, Watch Your Weather
In Central Texas (Zones 8b/9a), your “fall” garden may not hit its stride until late October or even November. Don’t sweat it. Look for varieties with shorter days-to-maturity, and keep some row cover handy—this simple tool can stretch your harvest well into the new year.
Want more hands-on garden guidance? Check out our Mushroom Growing Guide for Logs, explore the broader Texas Fall Vegetable Guide, or dive into the Coop’s Corner blog for real-world tips from folks who grow here too.
FAQ: Central Texas Fall Planting (Zones 8b/9a)
How late can I plant these crops?
- Collards and chard: through early November.
- Radishes and arugula: every 2–3 weeks into December.
- Turnips: aim to direct sow by mid-November.
Do I need to start seeds indoors?
Not for these. Direct sow radishes, arugula, and turnips. Collards and chard can be direct sown or transplanted for a head start.
What soil temps work for germination?
Radish/arugula: ~45–80°F.
Turnip: ~50–85°F.
Chard/collards: ~50–85°F. Warm soil is fine; just keep it evenly moist.
How should I water in a warm fall?
Water deeply 2–3 times per week, then taper as nights cool. Keep seedbeds consistently moist until emergence.
Do I need shade cloth?
If daytime highs sit above ~90°F, use 30–40% shade cloth over new seedings for the first week.
When should I use row cover?
Keep lightweight row cover handy for first frost or wind. It boosts warmth 2–4°F and speeds growth.
What spacing works best?
Collards: 12–18" apart.
Chard: 10–12".
Turnips: thin to 3–4".
Radishes/arugula: thin to 2". Crowding = smaller roots and spindly greens.
Fertilizer plan?
Mix compost into beds, then side-dress greens with a balanced organic fertilizer 3–4 weeks after planting. Avoid heavy nitrogen for turnips once bulbs begin swelling.
How do I keep pests in check?
Floating row cover blocks flea beetles and cabbage loopers. Hand-pick caterpillars early. Sticky traps help monitor activity.
Can I succession plant?
Yes. Re-sow radishes and arugula every 14–21 days for steady harvests through winter.
How do I harvest for best flavor?
Radishes/turnips: pull at 2–3" for tender texture.
Arugula: pick baby leaves for milder flavor.
Chard/collards: cut outer leaves and let centers keep growing.
What about freezes?
Most listed crops tolerate light frost. Add row cover or mulch around the base before a hard freeze. Water the day before a cold snap to protect roots.
Deer or critter pressure?
Use 7–8' fencing for deer, or deploy repellents on bed edges. For smaller pests, row cover doubles as a barrier.