How much do calendars really matter?

[Lisa0825]

especially in climates with a very long summer, like the Texas Gulf Coast?

I realized that one reason I was having difficulty deciding what to plant next is that everything seemed to have different schedules on the seed packets. How much does that really matter? Is it just "suggested" or "optimal," or is it really important to wait til fall for some crops? and plant by early spring for others?

Anyone on the Gulf Coast or similar climate have any input?

Frankly, I am ready to just plant whatever I feel like and see what works.

[NMDemDist2]

1. well, we'll see. the weather man promised lows in the 40s last night but there was frost on the car

this morning and I didn't cover my babies last night

I'm afraid to go out and look (not to mention it's cold out there!)

:scared:

hope they aren't all dead.

[Lisa0825]

2. Other than freezes, tho....

we rarely get a frost or freeze in April here. It's warm from late March through November. So can I plant wharever I want since I don't care if they are hardy enough to survive a frost, or do seasons matter more than that?

[NMDemDist2]

3. according to what I've read, some plants are 'cool crops'

like peas, broccolis lettuce and cabbages

I'm trying em early then will plant again in sept for a fall crop before the winter set in

:hi:

BTW, all the babies were fine this morning when I checked em, in fact the lettuce looked very happy

I picked up an eggplant for $3 that was about 8" tall today and stuck it in there too, we'll see....

[Lisa0825]

4. Great! I'm glad your brood held strong!

I think mine have already grown two inches since I planted them a few days ago!