Is It Too Late? Zone 9a (I think)

Hi Everyone,
This is actually my second attempt at doing vegetables. Last year I did some brocolli, spinach, and strawberries in pots. The brocolli actually grew one bloom from each plant, the spinach grew a bit bigger, but I didn't really know what I was supposed to do with it, so I just ended up composting it, and the strawberries made 1 really sweet fruit but nothing else.

This year we have moved to a new neighborhood and the grass is thin with weeds throughout. My husband just build a raised bed and tomorrow we will go and get a load of filler dirt. We are both very new to gardening, but are really excited to give it a try. From what I've been reading I think we will need to get our soil tested and add some lime if it's too acidic. Can we get our soil tested at any garden center? Also, can we put plastic down before we fill with the dirt or should we take up all the grass and not use plastic? Under the grass is sand, because this is a new neighborhood with new grass put in. We're thinking about planting some kind of squash and cucumber, green beans, tomatoes, some type of root vegetables. Is it too late to start? I do know that brocolli grows well in cold weather so we will wait until later in the year to start that. Any suggestions? We live in Zone 9a, right outside of Houston. Also, I have been composting for several months and we have lots and lots of grubs. What can we do to get rid of them, or should we? I don't think we're supposed to put them with our plants!



Thanks,
Becky

>>The brocolli actually grew one bloom from each plant, the spinach grew a bit bigger, but I didn't really know what I was supposed to do with it, so I just ended up composting it

Sounds like they were planted too late. Broccoli and Spinach are cold weather crops. I'd plant in October or November.

>> and the strawberries made 1 really sweet fruit but nothing else.

Strawberries require exceptionally loose, slightly acidic soil. The heavy clay gumbo soil in many parts of S.E. Texas will not produce well. Also, strawberries are very sensitive to being planted too shallow or too deep. The crown should be just below the soil, with no stems underground.

>> tomorrow we will go and get a load of filler dirt

Just realize that filler dirt can be anything, it could possibly even have heavy metals if you don't know the source. If you need to fill a garden bed cheaply, then a few bags of topsoil, plus a few bags of peat moss, and then some good compost (not the 99 cent bags, as they are 90% sand). The better local nuiseries can send your soil off to be tested at your county extension service.

>> Also, can we put plastic down before we fill with the dirt or should we take up all the grass and not use plastic?

I would dig up the grass, and then try to dig down some with a shovel, then put your good soil on top. Your plants will grow down through the good soil you are adding and then down into the soil below.

>>We're thinking about planting some kind of squash and cucumber, green beans, tomatoes, some type of root vegetables. Is it too late to start?

It's about the right time to plant tomato seedlings if you have any.

Squash and Cucumber and Beans I'd plant around the first of September.

Root vegetables I'd do later.

Hi Ladestiny! Sounds like you and your husband are off to a great start on your new vegetable garden.

Here is a link to the Harris County agricultural extension page. You will find that this is a GREAT place to start, and will probably answer all of your questions. http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort/pubs/vegherb.htm

Note that on this page is a vegetable planting calendar for Harris County. While August may not be the best month for planing, just look at all of the wonderful stuff that you can start in Sept - Oct!

Happy Gardening!