When to Plant in Houston, TX

Houston's subtropical climate means gardening almost year-round is possible — Zone 9a with a last frost around February 15. The Gulf Coast location keeps winters mild, but summer heat and humidity from June through September is intense and challenging.

Houston gardeners follow a three-season approach: a productive winter cool-season garden (November–March), a spring warm-season burst (February–May), and a fall garden (August–October). Summer is largely reserved for heat-tolerant crops.

What to plant now in Houston

Fall & Winter (Oct–Mar): Excellent — tomatoes (fall), broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and peas.
Spring: Warm-season planting window after February 15 last frost.
Summer: Okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas only. Heat is extreme.
Year-round: Herbs and tropical edibles in protected spots.

In Houston (296 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Houston

Month	What to do
January	Plant cool-season crops. Start tomato seeds indoors.
February	After February 15 last frost — plant spring tomatoes and peppers.
March	Full spring garden. Plant beans, squash, cucumbers.
April	Plant okra and sweet potatoes as heat builds.
May	Harvest spring crops. Summer heat arriving.
June	Summer. Focus on okra and heat-tolerant crops.
July	Peak heat. Maintain existing plants. Start fall tomato seeds.
August	Critical fall planting month — plant fall tomatoes and peppers.
September	Expand fall garden: beans, squash, cucumbers.
October	Full fall planting: broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots.
November	Cool-season garden peak. Plant garlic.
December	Harvest winter crops. Best gardening weather of the year.

Frost dates for Houston ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
77084	February 15	December 8	9b
77015	February 10	December 10	9b
77089	February 10	December 10	9b
77040	February 15	December 10	9b
77053	February 13	December 10	9b

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Houston, TX?

Houston's average last frost date is around February 15. Most years, warm-season crops can go outdoors by early February.

What grows best in Houston?

Winter cool-season crops (broccoli, kale, lettuce) are excellent November–March. Spring (Feb–May) is great for tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Fall (Aug–Oct) is often the best tomato season.

Is fall better than spring for tomatoes in Houston?

Many Houston gardeners prefer the fall tomato season. Plant in August for a November–December harvest when temperatures moderate. Spring tomatoes often struggle with summer heat arriving before harvest.

How do I handle Houston's summer heat and humidity?

Embrace heat-tolerant crops: okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas thrive. Use drip irrigation, mulch heavily, and water in the morning. Most cool-season crops are impossible June–August.

How does Plan My Garden help Houston gardeners?

Enter your Houston zip code for exact planting dates tuned to the Gulf Coast's subtropical growing calendar.