Gardening: Cultivating the Bond between People, Plants and the Environment
Welcome to the first in a weekly series on Gardening: Cultivating the bond between people, plants and the environment. The Community Garden Club of Marlin, with its almost 103 years’ experience in gardening, Master Gardeners and avid gardeners throughout the Falls County community share their beloved keys to a healthy and bountiful garden.
Gardening begins now? It is mid-November and the question frequently asked is, “But what can I plant now? It’s already almost Winter!”
This is great news: November in Falls County Central Texas is a beautiful time to garden for several reasons. Our mild Texas winters make November one of the best months to sow native wildflower seeds, such as bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush, for blooms next Spring.
Spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses are planted throughout this month to ensure a vibrant display in the Spring. Paperwhites can be potted now for Christmas blooms.
Firstly, let’s examine our bed soil. We get a higher rate of germination and healthier plants by sowing seed in a prepared site. Scalp any existing grasses and remove the clippings so the seeds can make direct contact with the soil. Keep the site lightly moist with short, frequent waterings until the seedlings are about 1″ tall, then switch to less frequent, deeper waterings until healthy roots are established.
Secondly, begin a Winter garden now, yes, now! Grow all types of greens, herbs, and root vegetables. When the weather is cooler, there are fewer days when we need to water, and there are no insect pests to worry about. You know, pesky mosquitoes.
Cilantro When to Plant: Mid-September – 2nd week of November (seeds) Only plant cilantro for a fall/winter crop since it bolts or goes to seed when daily temperatures reach 85 degrees or more.
When to cover: 20 degrees or below.
Garlic Some vegetables, like brassicas and garlic, develop a sweeter, more robust flavor after being exposed to a light frost.
When to Plant: October-November (from cloves) Varieties: Soft-Neck varieties. California Early, California Late, Silverskin, or Silverwhite.
When to cover: 15 degrees or below.
Radishes When to Plant: October – 3rd week of November
Red varieties: Champion, Early Scarlet, Cherry Belle, and Globe.
White varieties: White Icicle, Summer Cross and Chinese White Winter.
When to cover: 20 degrees or below Turnips When to Plant: Mid-October - 3rd week in November.
Varieties: White Lady, Tokyo Cross.
When to cover: 20 degrees or below.
Onions When to Plant: 1st - 3rd week in November for spring transplants. You can also buy very affordable onion bunches and bulbs to plant in February.
Varieties: Texas Super-Sweet, 1015Y, Texas Early White, Texas Early Grano, Southern Belle, and White Bermuda.
When to cover: 10 degrees or below.
Carrots When to Plant: 3rd week of September – 2nd week of November Varieties: Nantes Half-Long, Danvers Half-Long, Imperator 58, Red Core Chantenay, Royal Chantenay When to cover: 5 degrees or below.
Finally, while much of the country is preparing for winter, Falls County gardeners can be busy planting, harvesting, and enjoying comfortable weather without the extreme heat and humidity of summer.