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Austin, TX is in Hardiness Zone 8.
Read on to learn more about gardening zones and what that means for Austin, TX.
What are Gardening Zones?
Gardening zones were created by a zone map. This map provides a guideline for gardeners and growers to determine which plants are the most likely to flourish in a specific area.
The official name of this map is called the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The zones spread across the United States and Canada, dividing into 13 zones. The zones are based on the average annual minimum winter temperature.
The zones are about 10 degrees warmer or cooler than the zone next to it. Zone 1 is the coldest, and Zone 13 is the hottest.
The hardiness of a plant is mostly measured by how well it can cope with cold winter temperatures. So, a plant that can survive in Zone 3 would find Zone 2 to be too cold.
You might be wondering– why do Zones matter? To be blunt: the weather can’t be controlled. Many other factors can be controlled when growing plants, but the weather? Nope. The Zones help amatuer to expert growers understand what plants will survive, or won’t without having to undergo trial and error.
What plants can I grow in Austin?
Austin is great for growing vegetables.
Austin’s temperate climate is phenomenal for growing both warm and cold season vegetables. Additionally, fruit trees and flowering plants are also great to grow here.
Here are a list of categories and examples of what plants grow well in Austin:
Vegetables:
- Asparagus
- Tomatoes
- Artichokes
- Onion
- Spinach
- Broccoli
Fruit Trees:
- Apricot Trees
- Pear Trees
- Fig Trees
- Cherry Trees
Native Austin Plants:
- Texas Wisteria
- Serviceberry
- Texas Oregon Grape
When to Start Planting a Garden While Living in Austin?
A general rule of thumb for vegetables is to start indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Austin is pretty straightforward with its planting seasons. Generally, the last freeze date for Austin is around March 15th, and the first freeze date is around November 15th. It’s always smart to check on this within the region, as the dates can vary.
October is a great time to start your garden in Austin! Starting with crops that prefer cooler weather while the soil is still warm makes for a great turnout. Winter gardens in Austin are a great choice!
Final Thoughts
Austin is a great place to grow plants!
Gardening zones are a great reference when you are looking to start a garden, and wondering what to grow. Take the time to research what works best in your area, and when to start growing, and you’ll end up with a plentiful garden!
Robert is a native Texan writer for TexasWalkabout, passionate about Texas culture and food, wearing cowboy boots daily. He interviews local pitmasters and chefs, tastes and reviews innovative dishes, and explores hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Graduating magna cum laude in Cyber Security from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Robert excels academically and professionally while also being knowledgeable in Texas history and culture. After living in Texas for over 28 years, he provides first-hand and trustworthy information for all your Texas needs!
