Wednesday, October 28, 2026
The Daily Dirt

Texas grows its own. Here is today's job.

What do I do today?
← Aug 30 Tuesday, August 31, 2027 · Houston · avg. last frost Feb 15, first frost Dec 9 Sep 1 →

Plant today

In season now

Plant now

Basil: 30 Days Left to Plant

Do this: Sow seed or set transplants 0.25" deep, 12" apart, rows 36" apart. Why: Plant today, first harvest around Oct 30.

Plant now

Spinach: 86 Days Left to Plant

Do this: Sow seed directly 0.5" deep, 4" apart, rows 18" apart. Why: Plant today, first harvest around Oct 10.

Opening this week

This week

1 Day to Cilantro

Do this: Window runs Sep 1–Sep 30. Sow seed directly 0.25" deep, 2" apart, rows 12" apart.

This week

2 Days to Sweet Corn

Do this: Window runs Sep 2–Sep 16. Sow seed directly 1" deep, 10.5" apart, rows 30" apart.

This week

2 Days to Tomato

Do this: Window runs Sep 2–Sep 16. Set out transplants 0.5" deep, 42" apart, rows 42" apart.

Planning ahead: next 30 days

16 days out

16 Days Out: Kale

Do this: Opens Sep 16. Get seed and bed space lined up now.

Garden chores

Fertilizing: Test First, Then Feed

Feed the bed before planting

Do this: Spread 2-3 lb of 10-20-10 per 100 sq ft (or follow your soil test) and mix it 3-4 inches deep.

Fertilizing: Test First, Then Feed

Go half-rate for fall

Do this: If the bed was well fed in spring, use about half the spring fertilizer rate (1-2 lb per 100 sq ft) for fall crops.

Water: Deep, Early and Right at the Roots

Finger test before you water

Do this: Push a finger into the soil, and water deeply only if it's dry at 1 inch down.