Fall is in full swing in Montgomery County, and with it comes one of the most important and rewarding times of the year for local gardeners. From prepping soil to planting spring bulbs, the cooler weather opens up opportunities to work the land with fewer pests and more pleasant temperatures.

The Montgomery County Master Gardeners, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, offer hands-on, research-based advice for both novice and experienced gardeners. These trained volunteers help residents learn to garden successfully through community education, outreach programs, and valuable seasonal guidance.

If you’re ready to dig into your fall garden, here’s what to focus on this month—with a friendly nudge from the Master Gardeners themselves.

Prepare Your Soil for Planting

Start your November garden projects from the ground up. If you plan to plant roses, shrubs, or woody vines, it’s time to improve your soil by mixing in compost. This not only enriches the soil biome but sets up your new plants for long-term success. Top off your freshly amended beds with mulch to help retain moisture and protect roots as temperatures drop.

Bulbs: Plant Now, Bloom Later

November is a prime time for planting spring-blooming bulbs, and Montgomery County gardens offer plenty of variety. Classic bulbs like tulips (chill them before planting) and paperwhites bring reliable early color, while daylilies, oxalis, and rain lilies add interest with their staggered bloom times and low maintenance.

If you’re a fan of unique textures and shapes, try Byzantine gladiolus, Spanish bluebells, or the exotic Chinese ground orchid. These lend structure and intrigue to flower beds.

Don’t forget the iris family—including bearded iris, Louisiana iris, and African iris—which thrive in local soils and return year after year with minimal fuss.

For something a bit more dramatic, yellow spider lilies make a striking late-summer and fall appearance after lying dormant through spring and summer.

And if you’re looking for a festive touch indoors or out, try planting amaryllis. These bulbs don’t require chilling and will bloom year after year if planted in-ground. Or start them indoors in decorative pots—they also make festive, living holiday gifts.

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Roses and Shrubs

Looking to expand your flower beds? November is the best time to plant container-grown roses. Fall planting gives them a strong start and reduces transplant shock. It’s also a great time to establish native shrubs like beautyberry and female yaupon holly, which develop robust root systems through winter and shine come spring.

Lawn and Leaf Care

By November, most lawns in Montgomery County are dormant and don’t need watering. If you’ve been thinking about laying new sod—hold off. Fall is too late in the season for it to take root effectively.

Fallen leaves can be a treasure, not a trash problem. Here’s what to do with them:

• Mulch them with your lawnmower to feed your soil.
• Compost them for rich, organic “black gold.”
• Avoid burning or bagging them unless necessary—both waste valuable nutrients and harm air quality.

What to Plant in the Vegetable Garden

Montgomery County’s fall vegetable garden is still alive and well. According to the Vegetable Garden Planting Chart published by the Montgomery County Master Gardeners, November is a great time to plant:

• Radishes, Turnips, Carrots
• Spinach, Lettuce, Parsley

These cool-season crops thrive in the fall and can be harvested through winter depending on the weather.

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Compost: Give Back to Your Garden

Whether it’s vegetable trimmings or fallen leaves, composting returns nutrients and organic matter to the soil. The Master Gardeners refer to compost as “black gold” for a reason—it improves soil texture, water retention, and nutrient content naturally. Building a simple compost bin or pile this month can set you up for a productive spring.

Celebrate Fall in Your Backyard

Fall may not bring snow to Southeast Texas, but it offers its own kind of beauty and rhythm. Take advantage of the season to get outdoors, work in your garden, and connect with the land. And remember, every task you do now—from planting bulbs to spreading mulch—is an investment in spring’s future blooms.

To learn more about upcoming gardening workshops, local resources, or volunteering with the Montgomery County Master Gardeners, visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Conroe at 9020 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77303 or check out their programs through local community events.

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.