Gardening in Pearland: What Grows Here, When to Plant, and Why Timing Matters By James Snell

Pearland gardening isn’t guesswork — it’s about timing, heat management, and choosing the right plants for our zone.

Pearland (ZIP codes 77581 and 77584) sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, which gives us mild winters, an early last frost, and a long growing season — but also intense summer heat that will punish poorly timed planting.

If you plant at the right time, gardening here is incredibly productive. If you miss the window, summer will wipe things out fast.

This guide lays out what grows well here and when to plant, in chronological order, starting in January.

Our Local Growing Reality (Pearland Basics) USDA Zone: 9b Average last frost: mid-February Soil: heavy clay, slow drainage Biggest challenge: heat, not cold

The goal in Pearland is to establish roots before summer, not chase growth during it.

What to Plant & When (Pearland Timeline)

January

Cool-season crops thrive now.

Direct sow: Radishes Carrots Beets Turnips Spinach Mustard greens Collards

These tolerate cold nights and grow fast before heat arrives.

February

This is a transition month — watch the forecast. Continue cool crops

Start planting: Swiss chard Lettuce (short window)

Late February is also when fruit trees can go in the ground.

• Late February – March (Prime Planting Window)

This is one of the most important planting periods of the year in Pearland.

Vegetable transplants: Tomatoes Peppers Eggplant Direct sow warm crops: Squash Zucchini Cucumbers Green beans Melons Fruit trees (ideal now): Citrus (satsuma, Meyer lemon, kumquat) Fig trees Low-chill peaches Plums Pears Pomegranates Planting now allows roots to establish before heat stress.

April

Heat starts to matter.

Plant now: Corn Okra Sweet potato slips Basil

By late April, planting slows unless you’re heat-tolerant or irrigated.

• May – August

This is maintenance season, not planting season.

Focus on: Mulching Watering deeply Shade management

Many spring crops will finish or fail during peak summer heat — this is normal in Southeast Texas.

• September – October

The second growing season begins. Plant again: Lettuce Spinach Greens Carrots Beets

Fall gardens are often easier and more productive than spring.

What Grows Best in Pearland (Proven Winners)

Vegetables Tomatoes (early) Peppers Squash Okra Greens Fruit Citrus ⭐ Figs ⭐ Blackberries ⭐⭐ Pears Pomegranates

Avoid plants that require long, cool summers — they struggle here.

• Local Success Tips (This Matters)
• Amend clay soil with compost
• Mulch heavily (3–4 inches)
• Water deeply, not daily
• Afternoon shade helps survival
• Early planting beats summer every time

Final Thoughts:

Pearland is an excellent place to garden — if you plant on the calendar, not by instinct.

Late winter and early spring are your window. Miss it, and summer will decide for you.

We’re building a full Gardening section for Talk of Pearland with monthly guides, local tips, and community submissions. This is just the start.