Autumn in central Texas is a second spring, a perfect time for planting.
So let’s dig in to all the improvements you can make to your lawn and garden right now.
Shrubs and trees
Fall is a perfect time to plant trees and shrubs. The cooler temperatures of autumn allow the roots of young trees and shrubs to establish before the next hot summer. This ideal planting season begins at the end of September.
Time to divide perennials
Are your perennials looking less healthy or overgrown? This is the best time to divide perennials like iris, violets, liriope, ferns, and daylilies, to improve their health and encourage new growth and new flowers.
Color for now and later
Brighen your garden with colorful blooms that will blossom through fall by planting asters, mums, petunias and pansies. And for beautiful color next spring, plant spring bulbs and wildflowers seeds like bluebonnets.
Lawn and cover crops
Looking to improve your lawn or change it? This is a great time to plant:
- Native green grasses in early September.
- Ground covers like frog fruit or horseherb in place of grass
- Cover crops like winter rye that will keep your lawn green all winter
Veggies and herbs
Yes, you can continue to grow food in autumn. Here are some of the plants that you can add to your garden now.
- Beans, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cucumber, sugar snap peas and snow peas
- Herbs like thyme, lavender, rosemary and oregano
For a complete list of what to plant and when, check out the A&M Agrilife recommendations.
