Season-changing cold front is on the way to southeast Texas

After weeks of waiting, a season-changing cold front is on the way to southeast Texas on Tuesday night. The crisp, cool air is almost here, which is something even plants and wildlife will be thankful for. And ahead of the fall front’s arrival, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith visited the Mercer Botanic Gardens to learn more about what makes fall unique in southeast Texas.

True, fall looks and feels different along the Gulf Coast. The region may not be as cool as fall in the Northeast or Midwest, areas known for their beautiful leaves this time of year. But don’t be fooled. Houston gets fall colors, too. They’re just seen through local wildflowers instead.

“Everybody loves spring wildflowers, but there’s nothing like fall wildflowers,” Kari Hernandez, a curator at Mercer Botanic Gardens, said.

Hernandez points out the fall colors of reds, yellows, and oranges that are most present in the fall compared to the blues and purples of spring wildflowers.

It’s uniquely a Texas thing, too. Just like how Texans can plant certain crops later in the year thanks to the slightly warmer fall season along the Gulf. Hernandez says beans like snap peas and green beans and veggies, like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussels sprouts, are great to plant this time of year.

As for trees, experts tell ABC13 that fall is the best time to plant them thanks to the warm soil left over from summer. Karrie Calloway with Texas A&M Agrilife says it’s the combination of warm soil and cool air that helps trees establish themselves before it gets too warm again in the spring and summer.

Texas A&M AgriLife recommends testing your soil’s pH level before you plant. That way, you’ll know your garden’s nutrients and soil type before you go ahead and plant your garden or any larger things like trees or shrubs.

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