When to Plant Tatsoi in Williamson County, TX
Top priorities for Williamson County, Texas gardeners in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Williamson County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Pick tatsoi
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Tatsoi is a compact Asian green forming beautiful rosettes of dark, spoon-shaped leaves with a mild mustard flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and versatile.
Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.
At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Williamson County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Tatsoi during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tatsoi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tatsoi root diseases.
Williamson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-7.8
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 Williamson County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–7.8) overlaps with Tatsoi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (46% clay) in Williamson County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tatsoi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Tatsoi.
How to Plant Tatsoi
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Tatsoi
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 27.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tatsoi
Tatsoi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tatsoi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Williamson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tatsoi Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Tatsoi Planting Timeline — Williamson County, TX
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | September 27 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
262 days in Williamson County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Williamson County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after March 05 in Williamson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Williamson County's clay soil (46% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Tatsoi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 262.0-day season in Williamson County allows multiple plantings of Tatsoi. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Tatsoi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Tatsoi tolerates frost down to 15F. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole rosettes. Excellent in salads, stir-fries, or lightly wilted.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tatsoi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in Williamson County, TX?
Williamson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Williamson County, TX?
Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 22.
Your Williamson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Williamson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.