For many families in Westheimer Lakes, spring gardening is more than a hobby — it’s a way to bring fresh food to the table, spend time outdoors and reconnect with the rhythm of the seasons. That’s why the https://txmg.org/hcmga/ new “Grow Your Own” 2026 class series is already drawing strong interest across the area.

The seven-class series recently kicked off with its first free session, “Garden Planning & Soil Prep,” at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center, where more than 70 residents gathered to learn how to grow vegetables and fruit successfully in Fort Bend County’s unique soil conditions.

The turnout reflects a growing interest in home gardening, backyard vegetable gardens and Texas soil preparation — especially as families look for practical ways to become more self-sufficient and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.

Starting With a Plan: “Begin with the End in Mind”

Master Gardener Peg d'Hemecourt of Richmond opened the session with a simple but important principle: “Begin with the end in mind.”

For residents in Westheimer Lakes considering starting a garden, that means thinking beyond seeds and seedlings. Site selection is critical. According to d'Hemecourt, gardeners should look for:

• Loose, rich, well-drained soil
• Six or more hours of sunlight
• A nearby water supply
• A location visible from the home
• A space away from trees and shrubs

She also encouraged residents to consider practical questions before breaking ground: What do you actually want to grow? Who will eat it? And who will commit the time to maintain it?

“Don't waste space on growing food that no one wants to eat,” she said.

The advice struck a chord with attendees. A vegetable garden can quickly become overwhelming without thoughtful planning, especially in Texas where weather extremes can challenge even experienced growers.

D'Hemecourt also covered the benefits of raised garden beds and container gardening, both popular options for Fort Bend County homeowners dealing with heavy clay soil. She compared growing vegetables to fruit production, noting that while both can be rewarding, fruit trees and shrubs require long-term planning, year-round care and greater resilience against unpredictable weather.

For residents researching how to grow fruit trees in Texas or start a vegetable garden in Fort Bend County, the distinction is important.

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Understanding Fort Bend County Soil: Why It Matters

Master Gardener Dan Lawlor of Sugar Land shifted the focus to soil — the foundation of every successful garden.

An analysis of Richmond-area soil shows that much of it is primarily clay, mixed with sand and silt. Clay-heavy soil can retain water but often lacks proper drainage and aeration, making soil improvement a priority for gardeners in Westheimer Lakes.

Lawlor broke down soil texture into four key components: air, minerals, water and organic matter. He emphasized that healthy soil directly impacts plant health and yield.

“The best way to improve soil is to add organic matter,” he said. “Healthy soil gives you healthy plants.”

Organic matter improves nutrient availability, increases water retention, regulates soil temperature and helps prevent erosion — all critical factors in Southeast Texas gardening. Lawlor noted that the top 6 to 12 inches of soil is where most biological activity occurs, making it especially important to care for this layer.

“Soil takes a long time to form. So, we should take care of it,” he said.

For residents searching for guidance on improving clay soil in Texas, Lawlor’s message was clear: compost and organic amendments are key.

Soil Testing and Essential Plant Nutrients

Lawlor also discussed average rainfall totals, Texas geology and the 16 essential nutrients plants require, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — the three primary nutrients listed on fertilizer labels.

Rather than guessing what a garden needs, he encouraged attendees to rely on data.

“If you haven't done it yet, you should,” he said, referring to soil testing.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers soil testing services, providing homeowners with specific recommendations tailored to their property’s soil composition. Residents can learn more at soiltesting.tamu.edu.

Understanding soil pH and nutrient levels can prevent over-fertilizing, reduce runoff and improve long-term garden success — an important consideration for homeowners focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship in Fort Bend County.

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What Happens Next: Upcoming Grow Your Own Classes

The “Grow Your Own” 2026 series continues with additional classes designed to walk residents step-by-step through vegetable and fruit production, from planting calendars to pest management and harvesting techniques.

For families in Westheimer Lakes, the program offers more than gardening advice — it provides connection. Classes bring together neighbors who share tips, successes and even produce throughout the growing season.

Residents interested in enrolling in upcoming Grow Your Own classes can visit fbmg.org/grow-your-own-2026. 

As spring approaches, the interest in home gardening across Fort Bend County continues to grow. And for many households, the effort begins not in the garden — but in a classroom, learning how to build healthy soil first.

For more local updates, community classes and Fort Bend County programs that impact your home and neighborhood, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.