It’s Early Spring Planting Time — Here’s What I’m "Attempting" to Grow

I wish I had a green thumb.

But unfortunately… I do not.

I have been responsible for the demise of more plants than I can probably begin to tell you about — hence the title of this post, “…Attempting to Grow.”

I am going to try. Again.

And hopefully, with lots of sunshine and water, I will succeed this time.

Unlike previous years of failed container gardens, I actually did some research before planting. For instance, I learned that I am in Region 8 — not Region 7. That apparently makes a big difference in what and when you can plant.

Y’all are probably laughing at me right now because I feel like knowing you need to know this information is probably beginner-level knowledge in the gardening world.

But if you’re a beginner like me, you might not know that you need to know… so I’ve got you.

You can find your planting region by using the Arbor Day Foundation Plant Hardiness Zone Lookup map.

In all the research I did for this year’s container garden, I somehow managed to completely miss the part where I should have started broccoli and cauliflower seeds back in January and transplanted them outdoors by the end of February.

Since Texas warms up pretty quickly, there won’t be enough cold weather left to get a good spring crop.

But I can plant for fall — so I’m planning to start broccoli and cauliflower seeds indoors around mid-September instead.

Live and learn.

For now, I was able to get my early spring crops planted:

Short and Sweet carrots
Green onions
Yellow onions
Lettuce
Spinach
Radishes

I’m trying to focus on planting vegetables we actually eat — especially with grocery prices being what they are right now.

In March and April, I’ll start planting the rest of our crops. I’m hoping to add:

Tomatoes
A variety of peppers
Potatoes
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Squash

Basically, all the warm-weather vegetables that need a little more heat to thrive.

One thing I do love about container gardening is the flexibility.

I can move containers for more sunlight, shift them when I need to mow, or rearrange things if I change my mind about layout.

I originally thought about tilling a traditional garden bed, but I couldn’t decide where I wanted it — and honestly, I was a little late getting the soil prepped.

Containers just made more sense this year.

If you’re planting early spring crops right now too — consider this your reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start.

I definitely don’t.

But I’m planting anyway.