Fall · September 8, 2026

Austin, Texas

Prairies & Great Plains·Hardiness zone 9a

Now

38°C · Clear

Today

38° / 26°

Soil 6 cm

33°C

First frost

~91 days (Dec 8)

Gardening in Austin

AI field guide · refreshed weekly

Austin Gardening: Early Fall Planting Window Opens

Zone 9a with 91 days until average first frost (Dec 8). Soil at 33°C is still warm but cooling—ideal for fall crops. Spring frost averaged Feb 18, so you're 202 days past the last freeze. This is prime planting season: cool-season crops germinate reliably now, and you'll harvest before winter.

Sow outdoors now

  • Lettuce & Greens (Buttercrunch, Jericho, Lacinato kale)

    Direct seed now; germinates in 7–10 days at 33°C soil temp. Succession-sow every 2 weeks through October for continuous harvest.

  • Spinach (Space, Bloomsdale)

    Sow direct; thrives in Austin's mild winters. Germinates in 10–14 days; ready to pick in 40 days.

  • Radish (Cherry Belle, French Breakfast)

    Direct seed; matures in 25–30 days. Excellent filler crop between slower vegetables.

  • Peas (Sugar Snap, Snow Pea)

    Sow direct by mid-September; needs trellis. Germinates in 10–14 days; flowers by November.

  • Cilantro & Parsley

    Direct seed or transplant; both bolt slowly in fall. Cilantro especially reliable through winter in zone 9a.

Start indoors now

  • Broccoli & Cabbage (Arcadia, Stonehead)

    Start seed indoors now; transplant in 4–5 weeks (early October) for harvest by December. Soil temp of 33°C is at upper limit—keep seedlings in shade or use heat mat at 21°C.

  • Cauliflower (Snowball, Graffiti)

    Same timing as broccoli. Austin's mild fall suits cauliflower well; transplant by early October.

  • Onions (Texas 1015, Candy)

    Start seed indoors now for transplant in 6–8 weeks. These short-day varieties are bred for Texas and mature reliably.

Harvest now

  • Okra (Clemson Spineless, Perkins)

    Still producing in early September heat; pick pods at 7–10 cm (3–4 in) daily. Frost will kill plants by December.

  • Eggplant (Black Beauty, Ichiban)

    Harvest while skin is glossy; flavor peaks before first frost. Production slows as nights cool.

  • Peppers (Jalapeño, Thai Hot)

    Green peppers ready now; leave on plant longer for red color if you have time before frost.

Tasks this week

  • Prepare beds: clear summer debris, amend with 5 cm (2 in) compost. Soil at 33°C is still warm enough for good decomposition.
  • Install shade cloth (30–50%) over new seedlings if daytime temps exceed 35°C; remove by late September.
  • Water deeply after sowing; soil will dry fast in 37°C heat and 37% humidity. Mulch with 5 cm straw to retain moisture.
  • Scout for spider mites and whiteflies on remaining summer crops; spray neem oil at dusk if needed.
  • Prune back summer herbs (basil, oregano) by half to encourage fresh growth before frost.

Watch out for

  • Heat stress: Seedlings and transplants need afternoon shade and consistent moisture until established. Daytime highs of 38°C will stress young plants.
  • Dry conditions: Forecast shows minimal rain (0.7 mm total over 7 days). Hand-water or drip-irrigate daily; don't rely on rain.
  • Powdery mildew: Low humidity (37%) and warm nights favor fungal issues on squash and melons. Remove affected leaves; ensure air circulation.

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