Central Texas Gardening Tips

As winter deliciously fades into spring, you may be itching to get back in the garden. Along with providing fresh food, gardening is a great way to embody active adult living while connecting you with fellow gardeners in your 55+ community.

Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a recently converted garden enthusiast, you’re sure to appreciate the following tips for growing lush, plump produce in Central Texas in every season.

Plant According to Season

The ample sunny days and mild winter weather in Texas Hill Country means that your garden can thrive year-round. You can’t just throw seeds into the ground and expect them to grow, however; garden veggies are finicky when it comes to temperature and season. To achieve a verdant, productive garden, make sure to plant according to season.

The winter months are an ideal time to plant leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, which are hearty and can stand up to the occasional cold snap. Fruiting plants, including strawberries and tomatoes, are much happier during the spring and summer.

Let in the Sunshine

No matter if you have a large outdoor space or a windowsill herb garden, make sure your plants are exposed to the right amount of sunshine. Leafy greens and herbs, for instance, should be grown in partial sun. Exposure to direct sun for long periods of time can cause fragile plants to wilt or dry out.

Conversely, some plants in your Central Texas garden love to sunbathe, especially those that have edible roots or that grow fruit. Place radishes, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots in a spot where they can soak up the sun for at least six hours daily.

Watch Your Water

If there’s one thing residents of Hill Country know, it’s the fact that spring weather can be unpredictable. When it rains, sometimes it pours, and those massive storms can wreak havoc on your garden. Just as too much sun can damage your plants, so can an overabundance of water.

Proper drainage can save your outdoor plants from drowning; thus, many gardeners in Texas tout the advantages of raised beds. Rather than planting your seeds or sprouts directly in the ground, you can build raised beds that lift your garden a few inches above ground level. This promotes adequate drainage.

Raised bed boxes can also be purchased at your favorite gardening supply store. Another advantage of raised beds is their ability to jump-start your spring planting season – raised beds keep plants just a little bit warmer than if they were directly in the ground.

Savor Your Central Texas Garden Bounty

Gardening is just one of the many activities enjoyed by residents of Kissing Tree. You can also play a game of bocce ball, stay active in the fitness center, or take a dip in our indoor/outdoor pool. Welcome home.