Houston: Where Your Veggies Can Get Their Tan On (But Maybe Not a Burn)
Ah, Houston. The land of rodeos, refineries, and... surprisingly fantastic vegetable gardens? That's right, folks! While Houston may be known for its sweltering summers and humidity that could knock a cowboy off his boots, it also boasts a long growing season that allows you to cultivate a surprising bounty of deliciousness in your own backyard (or balcony, if you're a high-rise dweller).
Not Your Mama's (Unless Your Mama Lives in Texas) Seasons
Now, before you grab your seed packets and head to Home Depot with visions of a pumpkin patch in May, hold your horses (or should we say, hold your watering can?). Houston's seasons are a little different than, say, Minnesota. We basically have two settings: blazing hot and not quite as blazing hot. But fear not, green thumb wannabes! This long growing season, with its mild winters and scorching summers, means you can plant a wider variety of veggies than you might think.
Spring into Action (But Not Too Early)
March and April are prime time for planting your warm-weather warriors. Think tomatoes (because what's a summer without a juicy, homegrown tomato?), peppers (bell peppers, jalapenos, the sky's the limit!), eggplant (because eggplant parmesan is fancy, and you deserve fancy!), and everyone's favorite summer squash, zucchini (though your neighbors might get tired of zucchini bread by the end of the season).
Tip: Houston can be fickle with spring weather. Hold off on planting those heat-loving crops until the danger of frost has passed completely. Nobody wants a sad, wilted tomato plant.
Salad Days in the Fall (and Winter, Believe It or Not)
Houston's mild winters open the door for a whole other category of deliciousness. October through February is the time to plant your cool-weather crops. Lettuce, spinach, kale, cauliflower, and even beets will thrive in Houston's cooler months.
Pro Tip: Cilantro lovers rejoice! You can actually plant cilantro seeds all throughout fall and winter in Houston.
Texan-Sized Legumes and Other Delights
Don't forget about the legumes! Black-eyed peas, okra, and even southern peas will grow happily in Houston's warm climate. And speaking of heat-lovers, don't underestimate the power of sweet potatoes.
Basically, if it grows in the south, you can probably grow it in Houston. With a little planning and some TLC (tender loving care, for those who haven't gardened since kindergarten), you can be harvesting your own homegrown vegetables year-round in Houston.
So there you have it, folks. Houston may be a concrete jungle, but it can also be a haven for the aspiring urban gardener. With a little know-how and a whole lot of sunshine, you can be enjoying fresh, delicious veggies straight from your own backyard (or balcony). Now, get out there and get your hands dirty! And remember, if your tomatoes get a little sunburnt, well, that just adds character, right?
