Beating the Heat: 10 Steps to Keeping Your Raised Bed Vegetable Garden Thriving in Central Texas
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Shrimp plant on my front porch. A wonderful drought tolerant Perennial that attracts hummingbirds to the garden
I wholeheartedly created The Seed Sage to nurture not just plants, but the gardeners themselves. Coming from a holistic yogic background, I understand the importance of viewing the garden as a complete ecosystem, where every element is interconnected rather than just focusing on individual parts. This perspective helps create a thriving, balanced environment, even in small garden spaces.
If you’re gardening in Central Texas, particularly in Zones 8b and 9 around the Austin, Texas area, you know that our summers can be brutally hot. With climate changes impacting our weather patterns, the USDA is starting to make changes to gardening zones to reflect these shifts. However, don’t let that discourage you! With a few savvy strategies, you can keep your raised bed vegetable garden thriving, even in the most intense heat.
Choose Heat-Tolerant Vegetables
Start by selecting the right plants for our climate. Tomatoes, peppers, okra, eggplant, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices as they love the heat. Look for varieties specifically bred for hot climates to give your garden the best chance of success.
PRO-TIP: Instead of planting many different types of vegetables, focus on a few varieties that you can manage easily. This will allow you to concentrate on keeping those plants healthy and thriving, rather than spreading your efforts too thin. Keeping it simple can lead to better plant care and higher yields.
Asian Eggplant varieties can really take the heat in Texas
2. Timing Is Everything
Planting at the right time can make a huge difference. Aim to get your heat-loving vegetables in the ground in early spring, so they're well-established before the peak of summer. This gives them a head start to withstand the heat of Central Texas summers. One of my clients’ biggest challenges is becoming overwhelmed when it comes to planting times. This is why I created the 12 Month Central Texas Gardening Guide. I want to hold your hand throughout all the seasons here in the Hill Country. Gardening in Texas can be so frustrating with a random April freeze or summer days over 105 degrees. Grab this excellent resource to keep you on track and at peace in your garden.
3. Intensive Planting
Intensive planting is a great technique I use in planting out raised beds. This is when you plant vegetables closer together to create a microclimate that helps retain moisture and shade the soil, keeping it cooler. This method also maximizes your space and can result in higher yields. Just make sure to keep up with watering and soil fertility since your plants will be competing for resources. I typically top my beds every three months with organic compost (twice in the summer). With that said, some Texas gardeners disagree with this method and I lay the reasons why below…
Intensive Planting: Pros and Cons
Pro: Intensive planting creates a microclimate that helps retain moisture and shade the soil, keeping it cooler and maximizing your space for higher yields.
Con: On the downside, intensive planting requires diligent watering and soil management, as the close spacing can lead to competition for nutrients and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Just assess what needs your garden has and experiment to find the best solution for you. As an example, I typically keep plants further apart in my ground gardens but in my raised beds I intensively plant.
4. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves growing different plants together to benefit each other. Some plants can provide shade for others, repel pests, or improve soil health. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can help deter pests and enhance flavor, while beans can fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting leafy greens. Think strategically about which plants will complement each other in your raised beds. This is another area where most of my clients feel they need help in their gardening planning.
You can see in the lower right of photo that there are Yellow Zinnias and Orange Marigolds below.
These plants deter pests and attract pollinators to assist my cucumbers for optimum growth.
5. Mulch! Mulch! Mulch!
Mulch is your garden’s best friend during the summer, and my favorite mulch is coconut coir. Coconut coir is incredibly effective at retaining moisture, which is crucial during those scorching Texas days. It also helps to deter weeds, keeping your garden beds neat and tidy. A thick layer of organic mulch like coconut coir helps maintain a stable soil temperature, keeping the roots cooler and happier. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer, and you'll notice a big difference in your garden's resilience.
Con: However, it’s worth noting that coconut coir can be a more expensive alternative to traditional mulches like straw or wood chips. While the benefits often outweigh the costs, budget-conscious gardeners might want to consider this when planning their mulch strategy. Coconut coir can be found in block form and in loose form. I buy the block form because it expands when water is added.
Echinacea soil protected with a topping of 3 inches of Coco Coir as mulch.
6. Water Wisely
Watering deeply and less frequently is key. This encourages plants to develop deep roots, which are more resilient to drought. Early morning is the best time to water as well as foliar feed (which we’ll talk about soon) minimizing evaporation and allowing the plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day sets in. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, where it’s needed most.
7. Provide some Shade
Just like we need a break from the sun, so do your plants. Use shade cloth, old sheets, or row covers to provide some relief during the hottest part of the day. A simple frame can support these coverings and reduce the intensity of the sun, especially for more delicate plants.
8. Feed Your Soil, Feed Your Plants
Healthy soil means healthy plants. Regularly add compost and organic fertilizers to keep the soil rich in nutrients. This boosts your plants' resilience to stress, including heat. Remember, well-nourished plants are better equipped to handle extreme conditions.
PRO-TIP:
Foliar Feeding: Another excellent way to boost your garden’s health and increase crop yields is through foliar feeding. This technique involves spraying a nutrient solution directly onto the leaves of your plants. Plants can absorb nutrients more quickly through their leaves than their roots, making foliar feeding an effective way to address nutrient deficiencies rapidly. It can help your plants cope better with heat stress, improve overall plant health, and enhance fruit and vegetable production. For best results, foliar feed early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler and plants can absorb nutrients more efficiently. I LOVE using this brand to foliar feed and Arber during the whole life cycle of the plant.
No garden is perfect! I get flea beetle visitors every warm/hot season and they are virtually impossible to get rid of since they are a soil-bound pest. The way I tackle this issue is by starting my plants indoors and letting them get strong and healthy before transplanting.
9. Keep An Eye Out For Pests
Heat-stressed plants are more susceptible to pests. Regularly inspect your garden for signs of trouble. If you spot any pests, act quickly with organic solutions like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs. This is why the next step is crucial for catching pests immediately!
10. Harvest Regularly
Frequent harvesting encourages more production and reduces the stress on your plants. Plus, you get to enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor! Keep an eye on your garden and pick produce as soon as it's ready.
Pest Management: Regular harvesting also plays a crucial role in keeping pests at bay. Overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables can attract pests like insects and rodents, which can quickly become a problem in your garden. By promptly removing mature produce, you reduce the chances of attracting these unwanted visitors. Additionally, staying vigilant with your harvest allows you to monitor plant health closely and catch any early signs of pest infestations, enabling you to take swift action and protect your crops.
Luscious Cherry Tomatoes grown vertically on an arbor.
BONUS TIP #1: VERTICAL GARDENING
Vertical gardening is a fantastic method to consider for your raised beds in Central Texas. Utilizing vertical space can help reduce heat stress on plants by improving air circulation around them. This can lower the temperature in your garden beds and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Additionally, vertical structures like trellises or cages can provide partial shade to lower-growing plants, further protecting them from the intense Texas sun. Vegetables such as cucumbers, beans, and squash thrive when grown vertically, making it a perfect technique for maximizing space and managing heat.
The Seed Sage, Jennifer Nesbit Holt, enjoying her garden’s bounty.
BONUS TIP #2: STAY POSITIVE AND ADAPT
Gardening in extreme heat can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every season teaches us something new. Stay positive, be patient, and adapt your methods as needed. Remember, even the most experienced gardeners face challenges. It’s all part of the journey!
With these tips, you're well on your way to a bountiful harvest, even in the hottest months. At The Seed Sage, we're here to support you every step of the way. Happy gardening, and remember, you’ve got this!
If you’re finding it challenging to keep your garden thriving in this extreme heat or need help planning for your fall garden, don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to us today for personalized coaching and expert advice. Let’s beat the heat together and ensure your garden’s success all year round!
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SEASONAL, GARDEN-TO-PLATE RECIPES
Gardening in Central Texas, specifically in zones 8b and 9, presents a unique opportunity for growing a variety of flavorful and healthful crops. Among these, garlic and shallots stand out as excellent choices for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here’s why you should consider adding these culinary staples to your garden.