September is the time to plant nutritious, frost-tolerant vegetables and herbs.
September 9, 2026 - There is nothing quite like September to remind East Texas gardeners that our gardening year is far from over. While much of the country is winding down, we are preparing for a “second spring”. Fall brings opportunities for fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and even a chance to learn more about the horticultural history growing right here in Tyler.
The Smith County Master Gardeners will host “Successful Edible Gardening” Thursday, September 10, at Tyler’s Rose Center Complex. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the free program runs from 9 a.m. until noon. The morning includes three presentations followed by a tour of the Heritage Garden.
Our first speaker will be Smith County Master Gardener dynamo Elizabeth Waldrop presenting “Taste of Texas: Herbs to Brighten Your Plate and Landscape.” Herbs are among the most useful plants we can grow because many are attractive enough for flower beds and containers while also providing fresh flavors for the kitchen. In our long growing season, edible landscaping makes especially good sense. There is no rule saying everything in the landscape has to be purely ornamental.
Next, yours truly will present “Fall Vegetable Gardening.” Fall is actually my favorite vegetable gardening season in East Texas. The days gradually become cooler, rainfall generally becomes more dependable, and many of our most nutritious vegetables thrive in cool weather. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, lettuce, mustard, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips all have a place in the fall garden.
The trick, of course, is that fall vegetables have to get started while it still feels a bit like summer. Gardeners must pay particular attention to soil preparation, planting dates, irrigation, mulch, and insect pests. Getting plants established during dry weather is often the biggest challenge, but the reward is harvesting fresh produce through fall and, depending on the weather and crop, into winter.
Our final speaker will be Smith County Master Gardener president, Gary Gardner, presenting the “History of the Heritage Rose Garden.” His presentation will explore the background and significance of this special collection and will be followed by a guided Heritage Garden tour at 11:30 a.m.
I love this program because it brings together three things gardeners should always appreciate: plants we can eat, plants with a story, and practical information we can put to work at home. Gardening is more rewarding when we understand not only how to grow plants, but also how they fit into our kitchens, landscapes, communities, and history.
“Successful Edible Gardening” is free and open to the public, although advance registration is encouraged. The link for registration is on the Smith County Master Gardeners, Texas A&M AgriLife-Smith County, and Greg Grant Gardens Facebook pages. For additional information, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Smith County at 903-590-2980 or the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994. Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators trained and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
