When to Plant Garlic in Cameron County, TX
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Cameron County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 4,025 feet, Cameron County receives approximately 58.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Garlic may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.
Cameron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Cameron County
How your county's soil matches Garlic's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Garlic's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cameron County is excellent for Garlic — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic.
How to Plant Garlic
Fall planting: Sow 6 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Garlic Planting Timeline — Cameron County, TX
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | November 10 | Nov 10 – Nov 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–240 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Cameron County
Growing Tips for Garlic in Cameron County
Direct sow Garlic outdoors after February 04 in Cameron County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Cameron County, provide afternoon shade for Garlic and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Garlic in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 59" of annual rainfall in Cameron County, ensure good drainage for Garlic — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Cameron County, TX?
Cameron County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cameron County, TX?
Cameron County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cameron County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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