Hey everyone! I've recently moved back to Texas and was surprised to discover that it's in the same USDA hardiness zone as my old home. However, I now understand that these zones only reflect freezing temperatures, which is not very helpful for gardening in the heat! This year's veggie garden didn't do well because we got a late start. I'm looking for advice on how to find seeds that consider more than just hardiness zones, specifically for high temperatures and lots of sun. Our garden gets extremely sunny and hot during the summer, and I struggle to find seeds that thrive under these conditions. Most resources I find focus on drought tolerance, which isn't the same as heat tolerance. If there are any good seed sites or resources you all use that cater to hot climates, I'd love to hear about them. Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
In my experience gardening in NE Texas, the key is knowing your timing. The summer really slows down for many crops; okra and some peppers are really the only things that thrive then. Sweet potatoes do well too, and you can eat the greens. I also recommend starting tomatoes indoors early in the year. For seeds, I've had good luck with Victory Seeds and Hoss Seeds—they cater to climates similar to ours and have a good selection.
I totally get your frustration! After moving to Florida, I had to adapt my gardening approach completely. Depending on where you are in Texas, the USDA zones can be a bit confusing. For example, summer gardening can be tough—most things struggle unless you’re planting heat-loving crops like southern peas and okra. I suggest checking out your local extension office's website; they offer great resources tailored to your zone. You might also find that local nurseries have more specific recommendations than big box stores. They often share what’s in season and when to plant!
Have you considered using shade cloth? Many gardeners here in Texas only plant during spring and fall because of the harsh summer heat. Going with the climate is your best bet for success. There’s also a company called Southern Exposure Seed Exchange that specializes in seeds adapted for southern climates, plus Texas A&M offers great info on seed varieties that work well in Texas. Just be sure to look for resources that focus on your specific area!