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DO THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME
Proper timing is possibly the most important factor to successful spring gardening. Regardless of variety selected or cultural practices used, if a gardener does not do the right thing at the right time, chances of success are diminished.
To estimate when planting should begin, the average first frost-free date must be established. March 15 is the average frost-free date for the area south of a line from Del Rio to Uvalde, San Antonio, Austin and Beaumont. This is referred to as Region II. North of this is Region I with a first frost-free date of April 10.
Refer to the map of Texas "gardening" regions.
Gardeners south of a line from Eagle Pass to Pearsall, Pleasanton and Refugio
in Region III should enjoy frostless days as early as February 15.
Remember that these are "average" first frost-free dates for each
region. "Average" means that frost can occur later, so make emergency
plans to protect early plantings.
With these frost-free dates in mind, a gardener can decide what frost susceptible
vegetables to plant and when. He also can decide whether to use transplants
or seeds.