The vegetables sold at the Washington County, Texas Horticulture Committee Fall Plant Sale belong to one of three plant families that tend to grow well in cool weather. Because plants in the same family generally grow well together and prefer similar growing conditions, the vegetables are grouped below by plant family.
For additional information on preparing a Fall garden, see the Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide and see the Easy Gardening Series published by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Asteraceae “Daisy” Family
Lettuce, Green Leaf – “Loose leaf lettuce” is a cool season lettuce. Leaves become bitter in warm weather and the plant will “bolt” by shooting-up a flower stalk. Watering should be light, frequent, consistent, and well-draining. Transplants establish themselves very quickly so harvesting will begin within a short period of time after planting. Harvest the entire plant or just the leaves, which will allow new growth.
Lettuce, Red Leaf – “Loose leaf lettuce” is a cool season lettuce. Leaves become bitter in warm weather and the plant will “bolt” by shooting-up a flower stalk. Watering should be light, frequent, consistent, and well-draining. Transplants establish themselves very quickly so harvesting will begin within a short period of time after planting. Harvest the entire plant or just the leaves, which will allow new growth.
Lettuce, Romaine – Although more heat tolerant than loose leaf lettuce, Romaine is a cool season plant in Texas. Plant in a nutrient-rich moist soil at least 12 inches apart. Plant in moist cool soil with a fair amount of sun.
Arugula: Arugula is a member of the mustard family, also sold as rocket or by its French name, roquette. Keep the soil evenly moist. It can tolerate full sun and give it some shade when it gets hot to keep it from bolting. It can be ready to eat a month after germination, growing like a “rocket”.
Bok Choy: Full sun, matures in 50-70 days, space 8 inches apart; can tolerate part shade, light frost. good for container gardens.
Broccoli, Green Magic: Full sun, matures in 57 days, space 18-24 inches apart, head size 5-6 inches.
Brussels Sprouts: Full sun, cold tolerant to 20°F, matures 80- 90 days after transplanting, space 24- 30 inches apart.
Cabbage, Bobcat – Full sun, space 18 – 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, needs a steady supply of water. Matures 80 days, good flavor, sweet. Round head, 4-6 lbs., blue-green color. Disease resistant. Holds well in garden.
Cabbage, Early Jersey Wakefield – Full sun, space 18 – 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, needs a steady supply of water. Matures 60-75 days from transplanting. Delicious eaten fresh. Conical, tightly folded head, grows to 15 inches long, 7 inches wide. 3-4 lbs.
Cabbage, Early Flat Dutch – Full sun, space 18 – 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, needs a steady supply of water. Matures 85 days, heat resistant. Large flat head, 6-10 lbs. Excellent for sauerkraut.
Callard Greens: Full sun, space 18 – 24 inches apart. Thin when a4 – 6 inches tall until 18 inches between plants. Overcrowding will cause leaves to be small and less green.
Cauliflower, Snow Crown: Full sun, matures in 50-60 days, space 24 inches apart, moderate frost tolerance.; blanching the heads in the garden will keep prevent yellowing. Click the link for more information about blanching.
Kale: See instructions for spinach.
Mustard Greens: Mustard is a member of the cabbage family. Full sun, matures in 40 days.
Chenopodiaceae “Goosefoot/Beetroot” Family
Spinach: Full sun to part shade, matures in 40 days, space 1 inches apart, plants get 8 – 10 tall & wide.
Swiss Chard: Full sun, matures 60 days, space- 4-6 inches apart, can tolerate part shade, frost, good for container gardens. Companion plants- radishes, lettuce, celery, cabbage, garlic, onions, leeks, kale, turnips, collard greens, kohlrabi