What You Can Plant in Central Texas: January Through February

Winter might feel like a slow season in the garden, but in Central Texas, January and February are actually great months for planting. With mild temperatures, fewer pests, and cooler soil, this is the perfect time to get certain plants established before the heat of summer arrives.

If you’ve been itching to get outside and start planting, here’s what works best during these early months of the year.

Vegetables You Can Plant

Cool-season vegetables thrive in our winter and early spring weather.

Leafy Greens

These grow quickly and handle light frosts well.

• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Swiss chard
• Arugula
• Mustard greens

Root Crops

Root vegetables prefer cooler soil and develop better flavor this time of year.

• Carrots
• Beets
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Rutabaga

Other Cool-Season Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Peas
• Onions (sets or transplants)
• Potatoes (late February)

These crops benefit from being planted early so they mature before the real heat hits.

Herbs That Do Well in Winter

Many herbs actually prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted now.

• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Dill
• Chives
• Fennel
• Thyme
• Yarrow

Perennial herbs like rosemary and oregano can also be planted during this time so they establish strong root systems before summer.

Trees and Shrubs

Winter is one of the best times to plant woody plants in Central Texas.

Why Winter Planting Works

• Less transplant shock
• Roots establish before summer heat
• Reduced watering needs
• Fewer pests

Good Choices

• Fruit trees like peach, plum, apple, and pear
• Native trees such as cedar elm, Mexican plum, and Texas redbud
• Evergreen shrubs
• Roses
• Berry bushes

Planting now gives them a big head start.

Native Plants and Perennials

January and February are great months to plant native and adaptive perennials.

• Blackfoot daisy
• Purple coneflower
• Mealy blue sage
• Autumn sage
• Turk’s cap
• Coreopsis
• White Yarrow

These plants establish deeper roots in cooler weather, making them more drought-tolerant later.

Wildflowers

If you missed fall sowing, you can still plant some wildflowers early in the year.

• Bluebonnets
• Indian paintbrush
• Coreopsis
• Gaillardia
• Phlox

While fall is ideal, early winter planting can still work with proper watering.

What to Avoid Planting Right Now

Some plants really need warm soil and steady heat.

Avoid planting:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Squash
• Cucumbers
• Basil
• Tropical plants
• Any cold tender plants

These are best saved for late March and April.

Protecting New Plantings

January and February can still bring freezes.

• Watch weather forecasts closely
• Cover tender plants when temps drop below 35
• Mulch well to protect roots ( Very Important )
• Water before freezes to insulate soil

A little protection goes a long way.

Why Early Planting Pays Off

Planting now means:

• Stronger root systems
• Less heat stress
• Earlier harvests
• Healthier plants overall

By the time summer rolls around, your garden will already be established and thriving.