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Culberson County, TX — Planting Guide

Culberson County is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.

At an elevation of 2,716 ft, Culberson County receives approximately 50.5 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 96°F with winter lows around 32°F. The predominant soil type is Sandy Loam.

Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 48 days year to year — ranging from March 1 in warm years to April 18 in cold years. The growing season is trending longer by about 7.73 days per decade. Culberson County scores 40/100 (Moderate) on the Microclimate Index.

🌡️ Zone

7b (5°F to 10°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

March 29

🍂 First Frost

November 11

📅 Growing Season

227 days

⛰️ Elevation

2,716 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

50.5 in

Culberson County, TX Long season
227 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
227 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Monthly Watering Calendar

When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.

1"/wk 0" 2.4" 4.9" 7.3" 9.7" Jan 3.5" Feb 3.2" +1.5" Mar 2.8" +2.5" Apr 1.8" +3" May 1.3" +2.6" Jun 1.7" Jul 8.5" Aug 9.7" Sep 7.2" Oct 4.6" Nov 3.2" Dec 3"
Rainfall sufficient Supplemental water needed Heavy watering required - - - 1"/week garden need
View detailed monthly data
MonthAvg RainfallRainy DaysExtra Water NeededWatering Effort
Jan 3.5 in 2 days None
Feb 3.2 in 3 days None
Mar 2.8 in 1 days 1.5 in Moderate
Apr 1.8 in 0 days 2.5 in High
May 1.3 in 1 days 3 in High
Jun 1.7 in 2 days 2.6 in High
Jul 8.5 in 6 days Low
Aug 9.7 in 8 days Low
Sep 7.2 in 5 days Low
Oct 4.6 in 3 days Low
Nov 3.2 in 1 days None
Dec 3 in 2 days None

Annual total: 50.5 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.

Culberson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Frost Risk Probability

Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 2 stations

Too early frost risk Safe to Plant Mar 29 → Nov 11 227 frost-free days Protect crops frost returns Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Safe: Apr 18 Protect by: Nov 27

Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.

How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.

Planting Strategy Last Spring Frost First Fall Frost Frost-Free Days
Conservative (safest) Apr 18 Nov 27 223 days
Cautious Apr 7 Nov 15 222 days
Average year Mar 29 Nov 11 227 days
Optimistic Mar 19 Oct 28 223 days
Aggressive (risky) Mar 1 Oct 19 232 days
📊
How predictable are frost dates here?

Not very — frost dates can vary by ±48 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.

🌱
Is the growing season changing?

Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 7.7 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.

Gardening Difficulty Score

40 Moderate
Frost Timing Risk
10.0/10
Drought Risk
7.5/10
Soil Difficulty
3.0/10
Altitude Challenge
3.4/10
Climate Shift
10.0/10
Rainfall Challenge
2.2/10

Culberson County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.

Zone 7b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Mar 29 First Frost: Nov 11

Local Gardening Help in Culberson County

Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Culberson County's climate and soil.

County Extension Office

Culberson County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Extension Office

Phone: 979-845-7800

Visit Extension Office Website →

Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.

Master Gardener Program

Free gardening help from trained volunteers

Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.

Find Master Gardeners in TX →

Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.

Soil Testing

Available through your extension office

Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.

Request a Soil Test →

Services Available in Culberson County

Soil testing Pest management Master Gardener program Water conservation
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Culberson County

Why Buy Local

Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Culberson County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.

How to Find Them

Search for "nurseries near Culberson County TX" or "garden center Culberson County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.

Community gardens & gardening groups

Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Culberson County TX" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Culberson County Gardeners" or "Texas Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.

What to Plant After Your Harvest

After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.

After Green Beans (harvest ends Jul 19) 115 days until frost
After Spinach (harvest ends Jul 5) 129 days until frost
After Squash (Summer) (harvest ends Aug 2) 101 days until frost
After Hot Peppers (harvest ends Sep 27) 45 days until frost
Show 6 more succession options
After Peppers (harvest ends Aug 23) 80 days until frost
After Carrots (harvest ends Jul 5) 129 days until frost
After Eggplant (harvest ends Aug 23) 80 days until frost
After Watermelon (harvest ends Aug 9) 94 days until frost
After Basil (harvest ends Aug 9) 94 days until frost
After Cantaloupe (harvest ends Aug 2) 101 days until frost

Sunlight & Day Length

Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.

Longest Day

14 hours

Summer solstice daylight

Shortest Day

10 hours

Winter solstice daylight

Peak Sun Hours

10.1 hr/day peak (summer)

Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.

14hr 12hr 4h 7h 10h 12h 15h Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) Peak sun hours (direct sunlight after cloud cover) ▪ Gold zone = long day (14+ hr) ▪ Blue zone = short day (<12 hr)

Onion tip: Day-neutral onion varieties like Candy, Cabernet, and Sierra Blanca perform best in your day-length range.

View detailed monthly data
MonthDaylight HoursPeak Sun HoursDay Length
January 10.2 hr 5.6 hr Short day
February 10.9 hr 6 hr Short day
March 11.8 hr 7.4 hr Short day
April 12.8 hr 8.3 hr Neutral
May 13.6 hr 8.3 hr Neutral
June 14 hr 9.3 hr Long day
July 13.9 hr 10.1 hr Neutral
August 13.2 hr 9 hr Neutral
September 12.2 hr 8.7 hr Neutral
October 11.2 hr 7.6 hr Short day
November 10.4 hr 6 hr Short day
December 10 hr 5.6 hr Short day

Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.

Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar

Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.

Plant Warm Crops When

Soil reaches 60°F+

Soil warm enough from May through Oct.

Best Month to Compost

Jun

Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.

Active Composting

8 months

Nearly year-round composting.

60°F 70°F 20° 40° 60° 80° 100° Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
4" depth 8" depth - - - 60°F (corn, beans) - - - 70°F (tomatoes, peppers)
View detailed monthly data
MonthSoil 4" DeepSoil 8" DeepCompost ActivityTime to Finish
Jan 33°F 39°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Feb 35°F 41°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Mar 40°F 43°F 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Apr 52°F 51°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
May 65°F 62°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Jun 73°F 69°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Jul 80°F 75°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Aug 81°F 79°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Sep 76°F 75°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Oct 64°F 67°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Nov 52°F 55°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Dec 37°F 46°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks

Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.

Pest & Disease Pressure in Culberson County

Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.

Insect Pest Pressure

6.9 / 10

Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.

Disease Risk

7.1 / 10

High fungal/bacterial risk. Space plants for airflow, water at soil level.

Seasonal Risk

Spring Moderate
Summer High
Fall Low
Winter Low
View 6 common pests in your area
PestRisk LevelPeak Months
Aphids High Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Japanese beetles Moderate Jun, Jul, Aug
Squash vine borers Moderate May, Jun, Jul
Stink bugs Moderate May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Whiteflies Moderate Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Spider mites Moderate Jul, Aug
Organic pest management tips
  • Install physical barriers: floating row covers, copper tape for slugs, mesh netting
  • Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar control — safe for beneficial insects
  • Use kaolin clay spray to deter a wide range of insects on fruiting crops
  • Release beneficial insects: ladybugs for aphids, parasitic wasps for caterpillars
  • Apply neem oil weekly during high-pressure months
  • Mulch heavily (3-4 inches) to reduce soil-borne disease splash

Cover Crops for Culberson County

Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.

Spring Cover Crops (4 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Buckwheat Apr 6 Sep 2 Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds
Cowpeas (southern peas) Apr 11 Sep 16 ✓ Yes Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible
Sorghum-sudan grass Apr 3 Sep 16 Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes
White clover Mar 2 Sep 16 ✓ Yes Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Sunflowers Apr 9 Oct 14 Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Fall Cover Crops (7 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Austrian winter peas Sep 13 Mar 8 ✓ Yes Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils
Crimson clover Sep 10 Mar 15 ✓ Yes Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring
Daikon radish Sep 16 Mar 15 Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils
Hairy vetch Aug 31 Mar 8 ✓ Yes Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils
Oats Sep 30 Mar 8 Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed
Winter rye Aug 12 Mar 8 Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil
Winter wheat Aug 20 Mar 15 Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass

Wind & Microclimate

Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.

Seasonal Wind Speed

Spring: 16 mph   Summer: 11 mph

Fall: 14 mph   Winter: 16 mph

Prevailing wind: S. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the S side of your garden.

Windbreak Benefit

8.9/10

Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.

Frost Pocket Risk

Low

Relatively flat terrain (170 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.

Rainwater Harvesting Potential

How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.

Annual Collection

25,169 gal

Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)

Recommended Setup

6 rain barrels (55 gal each)

For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,500 gal tank.

Legal Status

Unrestricted

Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.

Best Collection Months

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.

Months to Draw From Storage

Apr, May, Jun

Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.

Rainwater collection tips for your area
  • Your county receives approximately 50.5 inches of rain per year
  • A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 25,169 gallons annually
  • Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
  • Your area gets ample rainfall — even small barrels make a big difference
  • Consider a rain garden to handle overflow during heavy rainfall months

Soil & Growing Conditions in Culberson County

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH 7.5–8.1 · Well Drained drainage

Raised beds strongly recommended here — native soil drainage or texture limits in-ground options.

Watering Needs

Drought stress: 7.5/10

High drought stress. Consistent irrigation is essential — consider drip systems, heavy mulch, and drought-tolerant varieties.

Season Tips

227-day frost-free season

Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.

Free Garden Planner

Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.

Get My Free Planner →

Recommended for Your Garden

🫧
Vermiculite $12-22

Retain moisture and nutrients in sandy soils with expanded vermiculite.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

📏
Digital pH Meter $10-20

Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Culberson County

113 vegetables that grow well in Zone 7b with planting dates for Culberson County.

Show all 113 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 5 – Aug 9 80–100
Amaranth Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Aug 30 90–120
Artichoke Apr 12 Aug 16 – Oct 25 120–180
Arugula Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 3 – Jul 5 30–50
Asparagus Apr 12 730–1095
Beets Mar 15 May 10 – Jun 7 50–70
Belgian Endive Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jul 19 – Sep 13 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 14 – Jul 26 60–90
Black Beans Apr 5 Jul 5 – Aug 23 90–120
Bok Choy Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 10 – Jun 14 40–60
Broccoli Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 31 – Jul 12 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 10 – Jun 14 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 28 – Aug 23 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Aug 16 85–110
Cabbage Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 31 – Jul 26 60–100
Calabash Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 5 – Aug 30 80–120
Cardoon Apr 12 Aug 16 – Sep 27 120–150
Carrots Mar 15 May 17 – Jun 21 60–80
Cauliflower Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jul 26 55–100
Celeriac Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jul 12 – Aug 16 100–120
Celery Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 21 – Aug 16 80–120
Celtuce Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 31 – Jul 12 60–90
Chard Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jul 12 50–60
Chayote Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Aug 16 – Oct 25 120–180
Chickpeas Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 21 – Aug 2 80–110
Chicory Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 31 – Jul 12 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jun 21 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 5 – Aug 9 80–100
Collard Greens Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jul 26 55–75
Corn Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 2 60–100
Cowpeas Apr 5 Jun 7 – Jul 19 60–90
Cress Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Apr 12 – May 3 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 May 31 – Jun 28 45–60
Crosne Mar 15 Aug 16 – Oct 18 150–200
Cucumber Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Aug 2 50–70
Daikon Mar 15 May 10 – Jun 7 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 5 – Aug 9 80–100
Edamame Apr 5 Jun 21 – Aug 2 75–100
Eggplant Jan 25 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 21 – Aug 23 65–85
Endive Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 17 – Jun 21 45–65
Escarole Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jun 21 50–70
Fava Beans Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 14 – Jul 26 75–100
Fennel Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 14 – Jul 26 60–90
Garlic 90–240
Green Beans Apr 5 May 31 – Jul 26 50–65
Horseradish Apr 12 Aug 16 – Oct 25 120–180
Hot Peppers Jan 25 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 21 – Sep 27 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 26 – Aug 30 100–120
Jicama Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Aug 16 – Oct 25 120–180
Kabocha Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Aug 9 85–100
Kai Lan Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 17 – Jun 14 45–60
Kale Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jul 19 50–70
Kidney Beans Apr 5 Jul 5 – Aug 9 85–110
Kohlrabi Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 17 – Jun 21 45–65
Komatsuna Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 3 – Jun 7 35–50
Leeks Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 28 – Sep 13 90–150
Lentils Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 21 – Aug 2 80–110
Lettuce Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 3 – Jul 12 30–60
Lima Beans Apr 5 Jun 7 – Jul 19 60–90
Loofah Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 26 – Sep 27 100–150
Luffa Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Sep 27 90–150
Mache Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 10 – Jun 14 40–60
Malabar Spinach Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Jul 5 55–70
Melon Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 21 – Aug 9 70–100
Microgreens Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Apr 5 – May 3 7–21
Mitsuba Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 12 50–70
Mizuna Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 3 – May 31 30–45
Mustard Greens Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 3 – Jul 5 30–50
Napa Cabbage Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jun 28 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Jul 5 55–70
Okra Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Aug 2 50–65
Onion Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 28 – Aug 16 90–120
Pac Choi Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 10 – Jun 7 40–55
Parsnip Mar 15 Jun 28 – Aug 9 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 May 31 – Jun 28 45–60
Peas Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jul 19 55–70
Peppers Jan 25 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 14 – Aug 23 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Aug 2 55–70
Potatoes Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 21 – Aug 30 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Aug 30 85–120
Purslane Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 10 – Jun 14 40–60
Radicchio Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 31 – Jul 5 60–80
Radish Mar 15 Apr 12 – May 3 22–35
Rhubarb Apr 19 365–730
Romanesco Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 14 – Jul 26 75–100
Rutabaga Mar 15 Jun 7 – Jul 12 80–100
Salsify Mar 15 Jun 28 – Aug 9 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 7 – Aug 2 70–110
Scallions Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jun 21 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 14 – Jul 19 60–80
Shallot Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 Jun 28 – Aug 16 90–120
Shiso Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Aug 2 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Aug 2 55–70
Snow Peas Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 24 – Jul 19 50–65
Soybeans Apr 5 Jun 28 – Aug 23 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Aug 9 85–100
Spinach Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 3 – Jul 5 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 May 31 – Aug 2 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 5 – Aug 30 80–120
Sunchoke Apr 12 Aug 2 – Sep 27 110–150
Sunflower Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 21 – Aug 9 70–100
Sweet Corn Apr 5 Jun 7 – Jul 19 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Aug 30 90–120
Tatsoi Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 3 – Jun 7 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 14 – Aug 23 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 14 – Aug 23 60–85
Turnip Mar 15 Apr 26 – May 31 40–60
Watercress Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 29 May 10 – Jun 14 40–60
Watermelon Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 21 – Aug 9 70–100
Wax Beans Apr 5 May 31 – Jul 26 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jul 12 – Aug 30 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Jul 19 55–80
Zucchini Mar 1 Apr 5 Apr 12 May 31 – Jul 26 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Culberson County

31 fruits that grow well in Zone 7b with planting dates for Culberson County.

Show all 31 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries Apr 19 Jul 19 – Nov 1 90–180
Aronia Apr 19 730–1095
Blackberries Apr 19 365–730
Blueberries Apr 19 730–1095
Boysenberries Apr 19 365–730
Cantaloupe Apr 19 Jun 28 – Aug 2 70–90
Che Fruit Apr 19 1095–1825
Cranberries Apr 19 730–1095
Currants Apr 19 730–1095
Elderberries Apr 19 730–1095
Figs Apr 19 730–1825
Goji Berries Apr 19 730–1095
Gooseberries Apr 19 730–1095
Grapes Apr 19 730–1095
Ground Cherry Apr 19 Jun 28 – Aug 23 65–80
Hardy Kiwi Apr 19 1095–1825
Haskaps Apr 19 730–1095
Honeydew Apr 19 Jul 12 – Aug 23 80–110
Jostaberry Apr 19 730–1095
Kiwi Apr 19 1095–1825
Lingonberries Apr 19 730–1095
Loquat Apr 19 730–1825
Medlar Apr 19 1095–1825
Mulberries Apr 19 730–1825
Pawpaw Apr 19 1095–2555
Persimmon Apr 19 1095–2555
Pomegranate Apr 19 730–1095
Quince Apr 19 1095–1825
Raspberries Apr 19 365–730
Serviceberries Apr 19 730–1095
Strawberries Apr 19 Jul 19 – Nov 29 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Culberson County

39 herbs that grow well in Zone 7b with planting dates for Culberson County.

Show all 39 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 365–730
Anise Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jun 21 – Sep 6 90–120
Basil Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Aug 9 50–75
Bee Balm Apr 5 Jul 5 – Sep 20 90–120
Borage Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 – Jul 5 50–60
Caraway Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 365–450
Catnip Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 9 60–80
Chamomile Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Aug 2 60–90
Chervil Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 3 – Jul 5 40–60
Chives Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 16 60–90
Cilantro Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 3 – Jul 5 40–60
Comfrey Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 16 60–90
Cumin Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 Jul 5 – Sep 6 100–120
Dill Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 3 – Jul 5 40–60
Echinacea Apr 5 Aug 9 – Nov 15 120–180
Epazote Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 May 31 – Jul 26 45–60
Fennel (herb) Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Aug 2 60–90
Feverfew Apr 5 Jul 5 – Sep 20 90–120
Garlic Chives Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 16 60–90
Horehound Apr 5 Jun 21 – Aug 16 75–90
Hyssop Apr 5 Jun 14 – Aug 16 70–90
Lavender Apr 5 Jul 5 – Nov 15 90–200
Lemon Balm Apr 5 Jun 7 – Jul 26 60–70
Lemon Thyme Apr 5 Jun 14 – Aug 16 70–90
Lovage Apr 5 Jun 14 – Aug 16 70–90
Marjoram Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 16 60–90
Mint Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 16 60–90
Oregano Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 16 60–90
Parsley Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 24 – Jul 26 60–80
Rosemary Apr 5 Jun 28 – Nov 15 80–180
Rue Apr 5 Jun 14 – Aug 16 70–90
Sage Apr 5 Jun 21 – Aug 16 75–90
Savory Apr 5 May 31 – Jul 26 50–70
Sorrel Feb 22 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 3 – Jul 5 40–60
Tarragon Apr 5 Jun 7 – Aug 16 60–90
Thai Basil Feb 8 Apr 5 Apr 12 Jun 7 – Aug 9 50–75
Thyme Apr 5 Jun 14 – Aug 16 70–90
Valerian Apr 5 Aug 9 – Nov 15 120–180
Yarrow Apr 5 Jul 5 – Sep 20 90–120

Monthly Planting Guide for Culberson County

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Culberson County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Culberson County, TX?

Culberson County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.

When is the last frost in Culberson County, TX?

Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Culberson County falls around March 29. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between March 1 and April 18 — a 48-day window of variability. Use April 18 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.

When is the first fall frost in Culberson County, TX?

The median first fall frost in Culberson County arrives around November 11. In cold years it can arrive as early as October 19; in mild years as late as November 27. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

How long is the growing season in Culberson County?

Culberson County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 227 days. This long season supports multiple succession plantings and warm-season crops that need extended heat, like sweet potatoes and melons. Climate records show the growing season is trending longer by about 7.73 days per decade.

What is the soil like in Culberson County for gardening?

Culberson County has predominantly Sandy Loam soil with a pH range of 7.5–8.1 and Well Drained drainage. The native soil conditions make raised beds a particularly good investment here — they let you control drainage and fertility independent of the ground soil.

What is grown commercially in Culberson County?

Culberson County has commercial agriculture that includes Cotton, Cattle, Sorghum, Hay, Wheat. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.

Is Culberson County a good location for home gardening?

Culberson County scores 40/100 (Moderate) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. Gardening here benefits from close attention to frost timing and season extension due to the challenging microclimate factors.

🌱

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA GHCN-D daily station data (1994–2024) from 2 weather stations in or near Culberson County (31 years of records). Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: April 2026.