As the calendar turns toward September and the sun starts to mellow (if only a little), gardeners across Harris County—including those in Sheffield—know what time it is: fall planting season. And if you're new to growing your own food—or even just thinking about it—the Harris County Master Gardeners are making it easier than ever to get started.

Backed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, this volunteer-led team doesn’t just help plants grow. They help people grow—by offering practical advice, free science-based resources, and hands-on support tailored to our tricky Gulf Coast climate. And right now, they’re encouraging residents across the county, including right here in Sheffield, to start planning their fall vegetable gardens.

Because whether you’ve got raised beds, patio pots, or a few feet of backyard, there’s still time to get your hands dirty—and a lot to look forward to.

So, What Should You Be Planting?

Christine Hammen, a longtime Harris County Master Gardener based out of the Genoa Friendship Garden, says now is the moment to sketch your fall garden layout, check last season’s photos, and rotate your crops for a healthier harvest.

Cool-season favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts can be started from seed indoors or in a greenhouse in August and transplanted out by mid-September—once that stubborn summer heat begins to break. You can direct-sow carrots, spinach, radishes, lettuce, peas, and green beans straight into the soil this month. And if you're holding on to a few heat-hardy summer plants like okra or Malabar spinach, they may keep producing well into early fall.

Need help deciding what to plant and when? Be sure to check out the Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide, which outlines crop timing, spacing, and tips specific to the Gulf Coast region.

Keep in mind that planning matters, and it can truly make a difference. Hammen recommends thinking through where each crop will go, rotating where you plant related vegetables, and preparing your soil before anything goes in the ground. That includes compost, natural fertilizer, and—if you want your plants to really thrive—a quick soil pH check.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

Why Soil Testing Is Worth It

Most Harris County yards, especially in newer subdivisions, have soil that’s been heavily disturbed or compacted during construction. Add in our naturally alkaline soil, and it’s no wonder so many new gardeners struggle in their first few seasons.

But even in established homes, soil issues can arise over time due to poor drainage, erosion, years of over-fertilizing, pesticide buildup, imbalances from nearby plants—like pine trees, which can change the soil’s pH and make it harder for some vegetables to grow, or simply neglect—making soil testing just as important for longtime residents as it is for first-timers.

That’s why the Texas A&M AgriLife Soil Testing Laboratory is such a valuable tool for local residents. A simple test tells you what your soil needs—and what it doesn’t—so you can avoid over-fertilizing, wasting money, or setting your plants up for disappointment.

Visit soiltesting.tamu.edu for step-by-step instructions, forms, and lab contact details. Mail soil samples to:

USPS

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Soil Testing Laboratory
2478 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2478

Other Couriers

2610 F&B Road, College Station, TX 77845
979-321-5960
soiltesting@ag.tamu.edu

Soil testing also supports organic gardening practices and helps protect the environment by keeping nutrient runoff out of storm drains and bayous. It’s a small step with big impact, and you can learn how to do it at soiltesting.tamu.edu.

One Event Gardeners Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re looking for a head start on your garden or want to talk with Master Gardeners in person, save the date for the 2025 Harris County Master Gardener Fall Perennial & Veggie Sale, coming up on Saturday, October 4, at the HCC Katy Campus, located at 22910 Colonial Pkwy, Katy, TX 77449.

This much-loved community event features veggie starts, herbs, native perennials, and expert advice—all grown and selected for success in our local climate. If you're serious about your fall garden in Sheffield, get there early—plants sell out fast, and the conversations are worth sticking around for.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

Smarter Gardening for Harris County’s Climate

Gardening in Harris County has its quirks—scorching summer soil temperatures, unpredictable rain, and the occasional surprise freeze. But it’s also incredibly rewarding when you plan ahead and work with the climate instead of against it.

Christine Hammen encourages residents to amend their soil with compost and peat moss, use shade cloth to ease transplants into the heat, and consider installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water more efficiently. If you haven’t checked for irrigation leaks lately, now’s a good time. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in water conservation and plant health.

She also recommends keeping your garden covered with mulch, especially during transition periods, to lock in moisture and suppress weeds. And if you’re heading out of town before planting, cover crops like sweet potatoes or southern peas can keep weeds down and build up your soil while you’re away.

More Than Vegetables: Why Gardening Is Good for You

A fall garden doesn’t just feed your body—it nourishes your mind. According to the CDC, gardening is moderate physical activity that burns up to 300 calories an hour. More importantly, research published in the Journal of Public Health shows that gardening a few times a week reduces stress, boosts mood, and helps people feel more grounded—literally and emotionally.

And when you grow your own food, even if it’s just a few salad greens or a handful of cherry tomatoes, it changes the way you look at the world. It slows you down. It connects you to something bigger. It makes dinner taste better.

Want to Learn More or Get Involved?

The Harris County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who share their knowledge with the public through workshops, demonstrations, school garden support, and community events. They work in partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, bringing research-backed horticulture guidance to people across the region—including neighborhoods like Sheffield.

If you’re curious about becoming a Master Gardener, or just want to attend upcoming events, visit txmg.org/hcmga.

Questions? You can also email hcmga@hc.tamu.edu or call the Extension office at 713-274-0950. 

Whether you're starting fresh or picking up where spring left off, this fall is full of opportunity. The soil may still be warm, but with the right support—and the right plants—your garden in Sheffield can thrive.

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for seasonal gardening tips, local plant sales, and community events rooted in growth.

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.