Welcome To Texas! (Part 5)
Changes From Gardening in a Cold Climate to Gardening in East Texas
1. The Heat Becomes the Main Limiting Factor
In cold climates, winter determines what survives, but in East Texas, summer is the real test. We are Zone 8 on the USDA Hardiness Zone which is based on how much cold a plant can survive. The AHS Heat Zone is just as important since it measures how much heat a plant can tolerate. Using both maps will help you pick plants that will perform well year-round.
What this means:
• Choose plants that can tolerate long stretches of 95–105°F.
• Afternoon sun can scorch leaves that would be perfectly happy up north.
• Many cool climate evergreens (spruce, fir, hemlock) simply can’t cope.
Mindset shift: You stop asking “Is it cold hardy?” and start asking “Is it heat and humidity tolerant?”
2. Humidity Changes Everything
Cool climates tend to be dry or have crisp air whereas East Texas is known for its humidity during most months of the year. Many of our favorite ornamental plants prefer a humid climate. Unfortunately, it increases fungal diseases and insect populations.
What this means:
• Monitor plants for fungal disease and pests regularly.
• Choose plants that do well in humid conditions.
Mindset shift: You think more about airflow around your plants, increase the spacing between plants, and disease resistance.
3. Rainfall Patterns Are Different
Cold climates often have steady moisture or snowpack. Our milder winters are wet but with very little snow. East Texas has heavy spring rains and drier summers with occasional drought cycles in late summer. Irrigation is necessary during the warmer season.
What this means:
• Supplemental watering for newly planted items is necessary
• Be prepared to water more in the summer than you did in a cooler climate.
Mindset shift: You learn to manage both soggy soil in the spring and dray soil in the summer.
4. Soil Is Not the Same
Cool climate soils are often alkaline, rich, and loamy. East Texas soils are acidic and more sandy with a clay base. It can be either fast-draining or slow-draining depending on the clay content.
What this means:
• Acid- loving plants (azaleas, camellias, blueberries, etc.) love our soil.
• Adding soil amendments and a root starter when planting is recommended.
Mindset shift: You amend with compost regularly and choose plants that love acidic soil (azaleas, blueberries, camellias, hollies) and use fewer alkaline loving plants.
5. The Growing Season Is Much Longer
Cold climates have short summers and long winters. East Texas has a very long growing season beginning in March and lasting through late fall to early winter. Our winters are milder – we do have sporadic frosts and freezes but are short in duration.
What this means:
• You can garden most of the year.
• You can enjoy annual flowers all year since pansies, violas and ornamental cabbage/kale are winter hardy in East Texas
• Lengthier harvest season for numerous varieties of berries and fruit trees.
Mindset shift: You can plant almost year round since our soil doesn’t freeze. Our fall and winter is the best time of the year to plant shrubs and trees.
6. Sunlight Intensity Feels Different
Even though cool climates may have strong UV at altitude, East Texas’ sun is intense during the summer months.
What this means:
• Expect intense sun from June – September
• Higher heat index makes it feel even hotter
• Plants become stressed from the heat and can develop sunburn on their leaves.
Mindset shift: Afternoon shade becomes your plants friend. Work mornings in the garden, not afternoons if possible.
7. New Pests and Diseases
Cool climates have fewer insects than the warm, humid conditions found in East Texas. We share many common insects, and will introduce you to more. Fire ants, increased numbers of aphids, scale, spider mites and more. Fungal diseases are also present.
What this means:
• Learn how to rid your yard of fire ants first thing.
• Monitor your plants for signs of insects or fungal diseases.
Mindset shift: Be ready to monitor your plants for pests and diseases for a longer growing season than before.
8. Plant Palette Changes
Some plants that thrive up north often fail here due to the difference in climate. You will be able to grow many of your old favorites plus add new choices like sub-tropical plants to your gardens. East Texas’ long growing season will give you year-round gardening enjoyment.
What this means:
• Crape myrtles can reach 20+ feet tall in East Texas
• East Texas has many warm season perennials that you’ll fall in love with.
• You can enjoy seasonal annual color year-round.
Mindset shift: You embrace Southern adapted plants and don’t push the limits on northern favorites that won’t perform well in our heat.
Gardening in East Texas allows you to relax and no longer feel rushed by a short growing season. You will be able to create outdoor living spaces that can be enjoyed from spring through fall. AND…East Texas very seldom has much fluffy white-stuff.