When to Plant in Amarillo, TX

Amarillo, Texas, with its median last spring frost on April 13 and first fall frost on October 20, boasts a growing season characterized by approximately 187 frost-free days. This climate allows a variety of crops to thrive, offering gardeners ample opportunities to plant seasonal favorites. While the growing season is relatively short, the warm days provide the ideal conditions for many vegetables, flowers, and herbs that flourish during this period. To make the most of these days, careful planning around the last and first frost dates is vital for successful gardening.

Located in the semi-arid high plains, Amarillo's gardening landscape is significantly influenced by these environmental factors. The region enjoys warm summers, making it perfect for heat-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and squash, which flourish here due to the extended sunlight and moderate rainfall. However, crops such as lettuce and spinach may struggle due to the high temperatures and relatively low humidity, which can cause them to bolt early in the season. Understanding these microclimate traits is essential for optimizing your garden's productivity.

What to plant now in Amarillo

Spring: Start your seedlings indoors by mid-March for crops like tomatoes and peppers. Once the frost date of April 13 passes, transplant them outdoors for a bountiful summer harvest.
Summer: Continue planting heat-loving crops during early summer. Beans and cucumbers can be directly sown after the last frost, ensuring they have enough time to mature before the fall frost on October 20.
Fall: As temperatures begin to cool, consider planting quick-maturing varieties like radishes and winter squash by early September. Monitor for the October 20 frost date to ensure harvest before then.
Winter: Use this time for planning your next garden cycle. Consider starting hardy winter crops indoors or preparing your soil for the spring planting season as you await the new year.

In Amarillo (190 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Amarillo

Month	What to do
January	The new gardening year begins in January! It's a perfect time to plan what you want to grow in your garden. Start researching seeds, and consider how your layout will look.
February	As temperatures begin to rise, start preparing your garden beds and soil for planting. Indoor seeding for tomatoes and peppers can also begin, setting you up for a successful spring.
March	March is prime time to start your seeds indoors. By the end of the month, plant cool-season crops outdoors, as the last frost will be behind you after April 13.
April	With April 13 marking the last frost date, it's crucial to wait until this date before planting sensitive crops outdoors. Begin transplanting your seedlings to ensure a robust summer garden.
May	May is when the true growing season kicks off. Continue planting warm-weather crops like beans and cucumbers as you take advantage of the frost-free days ahead.
June	June brings warm days perfect for growing. Monitor your plants for pests and water regularly, ensuring your summer crops are thriving as temperatures rise.
July	In July, the heat can be intense. Make sure to water deeply and consider mulching to conserve moisture. Harvest summer squash and beans as they mature.
August	August is the time for a late-summer harvest. Start planning your fall crops based on the upcoming frost date of October 20, including fast-maturing crops.
September	As September rolls in, plant quick-maturing crops like radishes and lettuce to take advantage of the cooler weather before the first frost on October 20.
October	October is critical for harvesting before the frost comes. Be sure to gather any remaining vegetables before the October 20 frost hits, securing your fall harvest.
November	November calls for garden cleanup. Remove dead plant material and prepare your soil for winter, ensuring a healthy start for the upcoming spring planting season.
December	In December, focus on indoor gardening and planning for spring. Start collecting seeds and reflect on your past gardening successes to improve your future yields.

Frost dates for Amarillo ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
79109	April 13	October 20	7a
79102	April 18	October 22	7a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Amarillo?

The last frost in Amarillo typically occurs on April 13, making it essential to plan your planting around this date to ensure the success of your garden.

What vegetables grow best in Amarillo?

Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash thrive well in Amarillo's climate due to the long, warm growing season. Additionally, they are well-suited to the semi-arid conditions.

When should I plant tomatoes in Amarillo?

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after the last frost date on April 13. Start seedlings indoors in March for best results.

Can I garden year-round in Amarillo?

Gardening year-round in Amarillo can be challenging due to the significant frost periods. However, with careful planning, certain cold-hardy crops can be grown in the winter months.

How does Plan My Garden help Amarillo gardeners?

Plan My Garden offers tailored gardening advice specific to Amarillo's climate, helping gardeners optimize their planting schedules and improve their crop yields based on local frost dates.