Experts from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service report satisfactory production of cool-season crops such as leafy greens, carrots, cabbage, and onions, with harvesting ongoing. These crops, planted from September to February, benefit from Texas's mild fall and wet conditions, following one of the state's hottest summers. The favorable weather conditions have facilitated the planting of these crops, particularly in South Texas and the Winter Garden area, enabling strong root development before winter.
In the Rio Grande Valley, yields for these crops are average to above average, according to Juan Anciso, Ph.D., from the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Science. Anciso notes the reliance on irrigation from the Rio Grande River for most South Texas producers, highlighting its dual role in managing pest and disease issues but also raising concerns over irrigation rations. Recent rains have increased disease in onions and leafy greens, with onions set for mid-March harvest and leafy greens currently being harvested.
Cool-season crops, like the cabbage in this Rio Grande Valley area field, are progressing well thanks to fall rains and reasonably mild temperatures. / Image: Texas A&M AgriLife
Despite some pressure from lepidopteran worms, cabbage crops are doing well, with most pest issues under control. Carrot crops are also faring well with no significant pest or disease pressure. In the Winter Garden region, onions are performing well despite earlier cold spells, and spinach yields are steady, with fresh market spinach showing excellent quality despite a slight dip in demand. Cabbage yields in South-Central Texas remain steady, with an anticipated increase in demand as St. Patrick's Day approaches.
Source: agrilifetoday.tamu.edu