Because of the size, diverse climate, and topography, these factors contribute to the diverse agriculture in Texas. You can find an assortment of crops in the Lone Star State, from corn and grain in the Texas Panhandle to tomatoes and potatoes in the south.
Determining where exactly you are in Texas is one of the keys to successfully growing vegetables. Crops thriving under the Texas sun are natural, healthy, and grown with Texan passion. Many vegetables can be grown all year round, while others are grown only during certain seasons. But unlike fruits, most vegetables are present throughout Texas, not only in specific areas.
Here is the list of vegetables that grow best in Texas soil (and also do well in pots and containers):
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are warm crops that grow in most parts of Texas. They are one of the most popular fruiting plants to be grown in pots. All varieties of tomatoes – from cherry to Roma – can be grown in the state, as long as they grow in good-quality soil and the seeds are planted at the right time to yield a decent crop.
Eggplants
Eggplants can be grown in most areas in Texas. They are warm crops that do well in temperatures between 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and even thrive in extremely hot temperatures. They grow well in the north during springtime and summer and in the south during spring, summer, and fall in the upper south region and extreme southern region that doesn’t frost. And yes, they’re also popular pot plants.
Varieties of cabbage
Can you grow cabbages in a pot? Yes, of course, you can, as long as you don’t crowd them. They need big containers, though. Green cabbages, for instance, can grow as high as four feet (1.2 meters) and almost as wide.
Certain types of cabbage are grown in Texas that are only available during the winter months. Green cabbages are the only types of cabbages grown all year round. For instance, Chinese cabbages are usually grown from January through April, red cabbages are grown from January through May, while Savoy cabbages are grown from January through March.
Potatoes
If you are in the south and wish to grow potatoes, you are in luck. Surprisingly, potatoes do very well in pots and containers, so it’s the ideal way of growing day if you’re lacking space.
While you can grow potatoes anywhere in Texas, the south seems the best place to do so. For many years, gardeners have grown potatoes in Southern Texas with much success. Nurseries start selling potato seeds from the end of January to early February, but you can also cut and dry a piece of potato and then watch the sprouts growing. The red-skinned varieties, in particular, typically grow well in south Texas.
Some varieties do well in other regions. For example, the Norland variety thrives well in central Texas.
Radishes
Radishes are best grown during the autumn and winter seasons. Partial sunlight and shade and just a little space will be fine for these veggies. They are also perfect for patio and small-space gardeners, as they grow quite quickly and thus do very well in containers.
Carrots
Carrots are best grown during the fall season. While they can tolerate some shade, they still prefer plenty of sunlight, water, and optimal soil conditions.
Sweet bell peppers and hot peppers
Sweet bell peppers and hot peppers are also popular pot plants. They are best grown from April or May through December.
Broccoli
While broccoli prefers cooler temperatures, some hybrids adapt well in warmer weather, especially in central Texas. Despite broccolis being wide spreaders as they grow, they can be also grown in pots and containers. So, if you want to grow broccolis, plant only one broccoli in every five-gallon (19-liter) container.
Spinach
Grow spinach when it’s fall and spring season. It needs good soil, plenty of sun, and adequate water to grow. Adding mulch helps to keep the soil’s moisture levels, which leads to the plant’s good growth. If you want to grow spinach but lack space or a proper garden, choose a wide pot so you can space the plants out, and one that is at least six to eight inches deep.
Cucumbers
These “cool” green cylindrical fruits (yes, they’re technically fruits!) grow most abundantly from April through December. Water-loving cucumbers do best in plastic or ceramic containers, as they do well in holding moisture.
Garlic
If you’re a garlic lover, try growing your own! The good news is that garlic is easy to grow in just about any climate, and even in limited spaces. Plant individual cloves, flat side down (not vertically). Allow them to grow through the winter and early spring. When the tops start to fall over, it’s a sign of harvest.
Green beans
Green beans of many types – lima beans, snap beans, and pinto beans – grow well in most Texas soils, as long as the soils are well-drained. As warm crops, green beans thrive well with plenty of sunlight. While raised beds are ideal, green beans can also grow in pots and planters.
Turnips
You can also easily grow turnips in containers. Turnips thrive well during the spring and fall seasons. As root crops, they do tolerate some shade. But they still need at least six hours of sunlight every day.