Your weekend garden plan 🌻 | What to plant now in NTX

This is me searching for fall…

Hi Reader!

The final weeks of September are here, but you could have fooled me with these recent temps. (Argh.)

Things should start to cool off next week, however, and there’s lots to do in the garden this weekend to maximize our wonderful fall growing season.

My 'Shiver', 'Black Bear', and 'Wee-Be-Little' pumpkins are doing really well right now. I'm crazy about bush-type pumpkins like these that don't sprawl as much a regular pumpkins and do an excellent job of shading out the soil below to keep it cool and moist.
​

🌱 What to Plant Now:​
​

  • Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips by direct seed.
    ​
  • Brassica Transplants: Cauliflower and broccoli need plenty of time to grow into big plants and produce big heads. If you didn’t get a chance to start your own by seed indoors, don’t worry because transplants are available⬇️. Get those in the ground asap.
    ​
  • Need transplants?​
    If you need cool season transplants, check out Bobby's Best Starts: https://www.instagram.com/bobbysbeststarts/?hl=en​
    ​
  • Herbs: Don’t forget herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley—they need cooler temperatures and can grow through winter with protection. Plus, having fresh herbs on hand always makes you look like you’ve got it together in the kitchen, even if you don’t.
    ​

🔨 Garden Maintenance Tasks:
​

In addition to planting, there are some essential maintenance tasks to tackle this weekend:
​

  • Set up your hummingbird feeders! The hummingbirds are migrating through and need sustenance. I've had feeders up for several weeks now, and I'm getting lots of visitors. Make your own nectar by dissolving 1 part white sugar in 4 parts water. Don't fill your feeders all the way up though. They need to be regularly washed, so fill a little bit at a time, and save the rest of the nectar in the fridge.
    ​
  • Fertilize: Your plants are tired after a long, hot summer. Be sure to fertilize your annuals, fall vegetables, and newly-planted perennials to give them a much-needed boost.
    ​
  • Replenish Mulch: A fresh layer of mulch around your plants will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperatures. It’s also your best defense against the weeds that are still trying to take over. I know mulching isn’t glamorous, but think of it as a little insurance policy for your plants.
    ​
  • Divide Perennials: If your perennials are looking crowded, now through end of October is the best time to divide them or move them.
    ​
  • Weed Control: Put on your favorite podcast, and pull out weeds. I’m having the worst time with nutsedge in my garden right now…
    ​

STAY TUNED FOR 2026 PLANNER LAUNCH!!! More news coming shortly. Early bird buyers get a great gift!

Peace and plants,
CWL

The Dallas Garden School

Callie is the foremost gardening expert and educator in North Texas and a gardening columnist for D Magazine. Based in Dallas, Texas.