Starting Fall Seeds in East Texas: A Beginner’s Guide

Our free East Texas Fall Garden Plan is a simple, seasonal guide to help new gardeners grow with confidence. Download it today and get started with what to plant—and when—in your fall garden.

Late summer into early fall is a sweet spot for gardeners in East Texas. The soil is still warm, the days are a little shorter, and many cool-season crops grow best when started from seed — right in your raised beds, containers, or backyard ground.

If you’re new to gardening and just discovering The Marshall Garden Co., this is a perfect place to begin. Fall is more forgiving, less overwhelming, and full of fresh rewards. When to Start Fall Seeds in East Texas

Crop Type	Best Start Time	Notes
Leafy greens	Late August–Mid September	Succession plant every 2 weeks
Root crops	Early–Mid September	Direct sow for best results
Broccoli/Cabbage	Start indoors in August	Transplant by early October
Herbs	Early September	Choose slow-bolting types

What Seeds to Start for Fall

Here’s a quick list of easy-to-grow, beginner-friendly seeds that thrive when planted in late August through mid-September:

Leafy Greens

These grow quickly and are ideal for small spaces or raised beds.

• Lettuce

• Spinach

• Kale

• Collards

• Swiss chard

• Arugula

Root Crops

These love to be direct sown and grow best in loose, well-drained soil.

• Carrots

• Radishes

• Beets

• Turnips
  

Cool-Season Herbs & Veggies

• Broccoli (start indoors and transplant)

• Cabbage (same as above)

• Cilantro

• Parsley

• Dill

How to Start Fall Seeds (Without Overthinking It)

1. Prep your bed or container.Loosen the soil, add compost, and smooth the surface.

2. Plant with purpose.Follow spacing instructions on the seed packet, and label rows if you’re forgetful (we’ve all been there).

3. Water gently and regularly.Keep soil moist until seeds sprout. Water deeply every few days once they’re established.

4. Provide afternoon shade if it’s still hot.A little protection goes a long way when starting seeds in late August heat.

Tip: Use a soil thermometer if you have one—seeds germinate best between 60–75°F.

Gardening Is for You—Right Now

Starting from seed is affordable, approachable, and empowering. You don’t need fancy tools or a full homestead. Just a patch of soil, a handful of seeds, and a little guidance.

As we work toward opening the doors of The Marshall Garden Co., we want you to know: you don’t have to wait to grow something beautiful. We’re building a place that feels like home for gardeners of all backgrounds, and we’d be honored to be part of your first season.

Ready to Plan Your Fall Garden? Download our Free East Texas Garden Guide

Our East Texas Fall Garden Planner will give you a simple, seasonal roadmap for planting success.It’s written for local conditions and beginners just like you. Your fall garden doesn’t have to be big, perfect, or even fully planned. It just has to start. And we’re here to help every step of the way.

Get the guide at marshallgardenco.com/garden-guides