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Sterling County, TX — Planting Guide

Sterling County is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.

At an elevation of 2,929 ft, Sterling County receives approximately 50.9 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 99°F with winter lows around 29°F. The predominant soil type is Sandy Loam.

🌡️ Zone

8a (10°F to 15°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

March 24

🍂 First Frost

November 12

📅 Growing Season

233 days

⛰️ Elevation

2,929 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

50.9 in

Sterling County, TX Long season
233 days
❄
Last Spring Frost March 24
➔ 233 growing days ➔
❄
First Fall Frost November 12

Sterling County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 8a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Mar 24 First Frost: Nov 12

Soil & Growing Conditions in Sterling County

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Warms quickly and drains well. Add organic matter regularly to retain nutrients.

Watering Needs

With 50.9 inches of annual rainfall, supplemental watering is typically only needed during summer dry spells.

Season Tips

233-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.

Your Free Printable Garden Planner

Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Recommended for Your Garden

🫧
Vermiculite $12-22

Retain moisture and nutrients in sandy soils with expanded vermiculite.

Helps sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

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

Know your soil before you plant for best results.

📏
Digital pH Meter $10-20

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

Helpful for your garden setup.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Sterling County

114 vegetables that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Sterling County.

Show all 114 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 30 – Aug 4 80–100
Amaranth Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Aug 25 90–120
Artichoke — — Apr 7 — Aug 11 – Oct 20 120–180
Arugula Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 30 30–50
Asparagus — — Apr 7 — — 730–1095
Beets — Mar 10 — Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 2 50–70
Belgian Endive Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jul 14 – Sep 8 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Jul 21 60–90
Black Beans — Mar 31 — — Jun 30 – Aug 18 90–120
Bok Choy Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 9 40–60
Broccoli Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 26 – Jul 7 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 9 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 23 – Aug 18 90–130
Butternut Squash Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Aug 11 85–110
Cabbage Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 26 – Jul 21 60–100
Calabash Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 30 – Aug 25 80–120
Cardoon — — Apr 7 — Aug 11 – Sep 22 120–150
Carrots — Mar 10 — Sep 3 May 12 – Jun 16 60–80
Cauliflower Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 21 55–100
Celeriac Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jul 7 – Aug 11 100–120
Celery Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 16 – Aug 11 80–120
Celtuce Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 26 – Jul 7 60–90
Chard Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 7 50–60
Chayote Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Aug 11 – Oct 20 120–180
Chickpeas Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 16 – Jul 28 80–110
Chicory Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 26 – Jul 7 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jun 16 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 30 – Aug 4 80–100
Collard Greens Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 21 55–75
Corn — Mar 31 — — Jun 2 – Jul 28 60–100
Cowpeas — Mar 31 — — Jun 2 – Jul 14 60–90
Cress Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 7 – Apr 28 14–21
Crookneck Squash Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — May 26 – Jun 23 45–60
Crosne — Mar 10 — Sep 3 Aug 11 – Oct 13 150–200
Cucumber Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jul 28 50–70
Daikon — Mar 10 — Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 2 50–70
Delicata Squash Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 30 – Aug 4 80–100
Edamame — Mar 31 — — Jun 16 – Jul 28 75–100
Eggplant Jan 20 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 16 – Aug 18 65–85
Endive Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 12 – Jun 16 45–65
Escarole Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jun 16 50–70
Fava Beans Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 9 – Jul 21 75–100
Fennel Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Jul 21 60–90
Garlic — — — Oct 1 Dec 31 – Jun 17 90–240
Ginger Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Dec 8 – Dec 22 240–300
Green Beans — Mar 31 — — May 26 – Jul 21 50–65
Horseradish — — Apr 7 — Aug 11 – Oct 20 120–180
Hot Peppers Jan 20 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 16 – Sep 22 70–120
Hubbard Squash Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 21 – Aug 25 100–120
Jicama Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Aug 11 – Oct 20 120–180
Kabocha Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Aug 4 85–100
Kai Lan Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 12 – Jun 9 45–60
Kale Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 14 50–70
Kidney Beans — Mar 31 — — Jun 30 – Aug 4 85–110
Kohlrabi Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 12 – Jun 16 45–65
Komatsuna Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 2 35–50
Leeks Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 23 – Sep 8 90–150
Lentils Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 16 – Jul 28 80–110
Lettuce Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jul 7 30–60
Lima Beans — Mar 31 — — Jun 2 – Jul 14 60–90
Loofah Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 21 – Sep 22 100–150
Luffa Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Sep 22 90–150
Mache Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 9 40–60
Malabar Spinach Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jun 30 55–70
Melon Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 16 – Aug 4 70–100
Microgreens Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Mar 31 – Apr 28 7–21
Mitsuba Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 May 12 – Jul 7 50–70
Mizuna Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 28 – May 26 30–45
Mustard Greens Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 30 30–50
Napa Cabbage Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jun 23 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jun 30 55–70
Okra Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jul 28 50–65
Onion Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 23 – Aug 11 90–120
Pac Choi Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 2 40–55
Parsnip — Mar 10 — Sep 3 Jun 23 – Aug 4 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — May 26 – Jun 23 45–60
Peas Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 14 55–70
Peppers Jan 20 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Aug 18 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jul 28 55–70
Potatoes Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 16 – Aug 25 70–120
Pumpkin Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Aug 25 85–120
Purslane Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 9 40–60
Radicchio Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 26 – Jun 30 60–80
Radish — Mar 10 — Sep 3 Apr 7 – Apr 28 22–35
Rhubarb — — Apr 14 — — 365–730
Romanesco Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 9 – Jul 21 75–100
Rutabaga — Mar 10 — Sep 3 Jun 2 – Jul 7 80–100
Salsify — Mar 10 — Sep 3 Jun 23 – Aug 4 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 2 – Jul 28 70–110
Scallions Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jun 16 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Jul 14 60–80
Shallot Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Jun 23 – Aug 11 90–120
Shiso Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jul 28 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jul 28 55–70
Snow Peas Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 14 50–65
Soybeans — Mar 31 — — Jun 23 – Aug 18 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Aug 4 85–100
Spinach Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 30 35–50
Squash (Summer) Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — May 26 – Jul 28 45–65
Squash (Winter) Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 30 – Aug 25 80–120
Sunchoke — — Apr 7 — Jul 28 – Sep 22 110–150
Sweet Corn — Mar 31 — — Jun 2 – Jul 14 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Aug 25 90–120
Tatsoi Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 2 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Aug 18 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Aug 18 60–85
Turmeric Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Dec 8 – Dec 22 240–300
Turnip — Mar 10 — Sep 3 Apr 21 – May 26 40–60
Watercress Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 24 Sep 3 May 5 – Jun 9 40–60
Watermelon Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 16 – Aug 4 70–100
Wax Beans — Mar 31 — — May 26 – Jul 21 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jul 7 – Aug 25 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Jul 14 55–80
Zucchini Feb 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 — May 26 – Jul 21 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Sterling County

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Sterling County.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries — — Apr 14 — Jul 14 – Oct 27 90–180
Aronia — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Blackberries — — Apr 14 — — 365–730
Blueberries — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Boysenberries — — Apr 14 — — 365–730
Cantaloupe — — Apr 14 — Jun 23 – Jul 28 70–90
Che Fruit — — Apr 14 — — 1095–1825
Elderberries — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Figs — — Apr 14 — — 730–1825
Goji Berries — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Gooseberries — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Grapes — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Ground Cherry — — Apr 14 — Jun 23 – Aug 18 65–80
Hardy Kiwi — — Apr 14 — — 1095–1825
Honeydew — — Apr 14 — Jul 7 – Aug 18 80–110
Jostaberry — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Kiwi — — Apr 14 — — 1095–1825
Loquat — — Apr 14 — — 730–1825
Medlar — — Apr 14 — — 1095–1825
Mulberries — — Apr 14 — — 730–1825
Pawpaw — — Apr 14 — — 1095–2555
Persimmon — — Apr 14 — — 1095–2555
Pomegranate — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Quince — — Apr 14 — — 1095–1825
Raspberries — — Apr 14 — — 365–730
Serviceberries — — Apr 14 — — 730–1095
Strawberries — — Apr 14 — Jul 14 – Dec 29 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Sterling County

39 herbs that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Sterling County.

Show all 39 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 — 365–730
Anise Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 Jun 16 – Sep 1 90–120
Basil Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Aug 4 50–75
Bee Balm — — Mar 31 — Jun 30 – Sep 15 90–120
Borage Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 May 12 – Jun 30 50–60
Caraway Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 — 365–450
Catnip — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 4 60–80
Chamomile Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 28 60–90
Chervil Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 30 40–60
Chives — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 60–90
Cilantro Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 30 40–60
Comfrey — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 60–90
Cumin Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 Jun 30 – Sep 1 100–120
Dill Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 30 40–60
Epazote Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — May 26 – Jul 21 45–60
Fennel (herb) Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 28 60–90
Feverfew — — Mar 31 — Jun 30 – Sep 15 90–120
Garlic Chives — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 60–90
Horehound — — Mar 31 — Jun 16 – Aug 11 75–90
Hyssop — — Mar 31 — Jun 9 – Aug 11 70–90
Lemon Balm — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Jul 21 60–70
Lemon Thyme — — Mar 31 — Jun 9 – Aug 11 70–90
Lemon Verbena Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Aug 18 60–90
Lemongrass Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 23 – Sep 22 75–120
Lovage — — Mar 31 — Jun 9 – Aug 11 70–90
Marjoram — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 60–90
Mint — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 60–90
Oregano — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 60–90
Parsley Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 May 19 – Jul 21 60–80
Rosemary — — Mar 31 — Jun 23 – Nov 10 80–180
Rue — — Mar 31 — Jun 9 – Aug 11 70–90
Sage — — Mar 31 — Jun 16 – Aug 11 75–90
Savory — — Mar 31 — May 26 – Jul 21 50–70
Sorrel Feb 17 Mar 10 Mar 17 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Jun 30 40–60
Stevia Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 9 – Aug 18 60–90
Tarragon — — Mar 31 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 60–90
Thai Basil Feb 3 Mar 31 Apr 7 — Jun 2 – Aug 4 50–75
Thyme — — Mar 31 — Jun 9 – Aug 11 70–90
Valerian — — Mar 31 — Aug 4 – Nov 10 120–180

🌸 Flowers to Grow in Sterling County

54 flowers that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Sterling County.

Show all 54 flowers with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Bloom Days to Maturity
Ageratum Feb 10 Mar 17 Mar 17 — May 12 – Sep 29 60–75
Alliums — — — Oct 8 Nov 5 – Nov 26 28–42
Anemones — — — Sep 17 Oct 1 – Oct 29 90–120
Astilbe Jan 27 — Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Jul 21 70–100
Bachelor's Button — Feb 10 Mar 10 Sep 17 May 12 – Aug 25 60–90
Begonias Jan 13 — Mar 17 — May 26 – Oct 13 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Jan 27 Mar 17 Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 20 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Jan 27 — Mar 24 — May 12 – Jun 9 60–90
Calendula — Feb 10 Mar 10 Sep 3 Apr 28 – Sep 8 50–70
California Poppy — — — Sep 17 Nov 26 – Mar 4 60–90
Celosia Feb 24 Mar 17 Mar 17 — May 19 – Oct 13 60–90
Columbine Jan 27 Mar 24 Mar 24 — May 12 – Jun 9 70–100
Coreopsis Jan 27 Mar 17 Mar 24 — May 26 – Oct 20 60–80
Cosmos Feb 24 Mar 10 Mar 10 — May 19 – Oct 6 60–90
Crocus — — — Oct 15 Sep 17 – Oct 8 10–20
Daffodils — — — Oct 8 Sep 17 – Oct 15 20–40
Dahlias Mar 3 Mar 24 Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Nov 3 70–120
Daylily Jan 27 — Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 20 60–90
Dianthus Jan 27 Feb 10 Feb 17 — Apr 7 – Jun 23 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Jan 27 Mar 24 Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 20 70–90
Foxglove Jan 27 Mar 24 Mar 24 — May 12 – Jun 9 80–120
Freesia — — — Oct 1 Oct 29 – Nov 26 84–112
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Feb 3 Mar 17 Mar 17 — May 26 – Nov 10 70–100
Geraniums Jan 13 — Mar 17 — May 26 – Oct 13 70–100
Gladiolus — Mar 24 Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Nov 3 70–100
Hostas Jan 20 — Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 6 60–90
Hyacinths — — — Oct 15 Oct 8 – Oct 29 14–28
Hydrangeas Jan 20 — Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 6 90–150
Impatiens Jan 27 — Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 20 60–75
Irises — Division Mar 24 — May 12 – Jun 16 60–100
Larkspur — Feb 24 — Sep 3 May 5 – Aug 11 60–90
Lavender Jan 20 — Mar 31 — Jun 9 – Sep 15 90–120
Lilies — Division Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Sep 22 70–120
Lobelia Jan 27 — Feb 17 — Apr 14 – Jun 9 70–80
Lupine Jan 27 Mar 24 Mar 24 — May 12 – Jun 9 75–100
Marigolds Feb 10 Mar 17 Mar 17 — May 12 – Sep 15 50–70
Nasturtium Feb 24 Mar 17 Mar 17 — May 12 – Oct 13 55–65
Pansy Jan 13 — Mar 10 Sep 3 May 5 – Aug 11 70–90
Peonies — Division Mar 24 — May 19 – Jun 16 90–120
Petunia Jan 27 — Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 6 70–90
Phlox Jan 27 Mar 24 Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Aug 11 80–110
Portulaca Feb 24 Mar 17 Mar 17 — May 5 – Sep 29 50–70
Ranunculus — — — Sep 17 Oct 1 – Nov 5 90–120
Roses Jan 20 — Mar 24 — Jun 2 – Oct 20 90–180
Salvia Jan 27 — Mar 17 — May 26 – Oct 13 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Jan 27 — Mar 24 — Jul 14 – Oct 6 60–90
Snapdragon Jan 13 Feb 17 Mar 10 Sep 3 May 19 – Sep 8 70–100
Sunflower Mar 3 Mar 17 Mar 17 — Jun 9 – Oct 13 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Feb 10 Feb 17 Mar 10 Sep 17 Apr 21 – Aug 11 45–60
Sweet Pea — — — Sep 10 Nov 19 – Feb 11 65–85
Tulips — — — Oct 15 Oct 1 – Oct 29 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Jan 13 — Mar 17 — May 26 – Oct 13 70–90
Yarrow Jan 27 Mar 17 Mar 24 — May 26 – Oct 20 60–90
Zinnia Feb 24 Mar 17 Mar 17 — May 26 – Oct 13 60–70

Monthly Planting Guide for Sterling County

Gardening Guides & Resources

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

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Bucket Gardening Read guide →
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Shade Garden Ideas Read guide →
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Urban Gardening Guide Read guide →
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Full Sun Container Plants Read guide →
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Garden Pots: Beginner's Guide Read guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Sterling County, TX?

Sterling County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. 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 Sterling County, TX?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Sterling County falls around March 24. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

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

The median first fall frost in Sterling County arrives around November 12. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

🌱

Your Sterling County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sterling County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.

  • Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
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Seed Saving & Storage Guide

Seed Saving & Storage Guide

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.

Plant varieties + growing data

Soil survey + temperature data

Drought monitoring

Household-consumption benchmarks

Derived

Other

Frost dates

Modeling

Precipitation + climate normals

Curated

Pest + disease pressure

Local extension offices

Daylight hours + sun data

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