Well, possibly the weathermen might be right. They are calling for a cooler and wetter fall and winter for our central Texas area.
Up till now, the ‘cooler’ part has been a little off. It’s been running 10 degrees above average throughout most of October.
As for the wetter part, last weekend, the rain finally arrived.
Saturday morning my rain gauge was at 4 ½ inches and on Sunday it had risen to 7 inches total. Wow! Am I glad I installed that new French drain on Thursday and Friday.
Well, let’s get to gardening. Our vegetable Guru Dwight says this winter is going to be awesome for vegetable gardeners.
First on his list is the crucifer (Brassica) family which contains most of our fall and winter favorites. That group has broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, mustard, collards, cauliflower, Chinese (Napa) cabbage, kohlrabi, bok choi and pak choi. Although easy to grow from seed, starting this late in the game, transplants (seedlings) are the best option. Easier to grow from seed are lettuce, carrots, leeks, and beets.
Now is the perfect time to plant garlic which needs cooler weather to bulb for spring. Multiplying onions and shallots are best planted as bulbs.
Starting in early November, our favorite Texas short day onions should be available. Look for Texas 1015 yellow, Southern Belle Red, Sweet White Bermuda, Cajun Red (more pungent), and yellow Granex (Vidalia type).
Well, this should be enough to keep us busy. Find a sunny, well drained spot for a garden and get to tilling or turning. Add some organic compost and a little Lady Bug 8-2-4 and you will be off to a great start. Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a gardening question, send it to me via email: [email protected]. (Please put ‘Ask Chris Winslow’ in the subject line.) Or mail your letter or postcard to: Ask Chris Winslow. It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748
