I Was Wrong About Second Spring (In 2026)

This shows the average temperature by week in Houston as it moves through the various planting season zones. See how the organge 2026 line is higher than the average and still in the hot season band? Thati s making an already short warm season even shorter.

 I recently wrote a blog about planting in the second warm season in Houston. It’s much shorter than spring, but you can plant and harvest spring favorites if you time it right.  This is the comfort I give gardeners when they’ve had a rough tomato year or didn’t have time to get something in the ground by March.  I say “we can try again in September!” and a failed crop is quickly forgotten.  And typically, by October, we’re watching our tomatoes and cucumbers take off and get big while my hot season plants slow down.  However, my tomatoes are stunted and my okra is still going strong. So what gives?

It’s the temperature outside.  Like most living things, plants have their preferred weather and environment that enables the best growth and productivity.  For warm season plants, that’s usually between 65 and 80 degrees.   In previous years, we’ve been happily below 80 degrees on average by mid- September.  This year, however, we are still averaging over 80 degrees and are well over 70 degrees overnight (thank you, humidity!).

In this situation, my best advice is to cut your losses and skip warm season.  Go straight to cool season prep and planting, do not collect $200.  Between the incoming rain, probable cold front and a cold wet El Nino winter, we’re likely getting a steep drop into cool season instead of just a delayed warm season. Feel free to be stubborn about this, as I’ll probably be just as stubborn in my garden, but start collecting your back-ups.   If you have not already, it’s time to go lettuce, beet, radish, and carrot seed shopping.  You’ll also want to grab some garlic (softneck variety for Houston, please!) and begin fantasizing about which Brassicas you are going to try this year (Purple Graffiti Cauliflower anyone?).   If you like spring flowers, check out Houston Garden Club’s Bulb Mart and pick up your buttercups, hyacinth, daffodils and tulip bulbs for spring.  You’ll also want to spread seeds for your bluebonnet patch.

I can admit when I’m wrong and I was wrong about second spring this year.  Let’s rally for a nice long cool season, shall we?