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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Monday - October 12, 2015

From: Longview, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Suggestions for vegetables to grow in North Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Hi, I want some suggestions on vegetable plants that withstands North Texas winter icy weather? and when to plant them? Thanks, Meena.

ANSWER:

Our focus and expertise here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are with plants native to North America.  As it turns out, most plants we consider vegetables to grow in our gardens are cultivars of plants that are not native to North America.  So, we aren't the best people to be asking about vegetable plants to withstand winters in North Texas.  I can, however, recommend the best source for the answer to your question—the Gregg County Texas AgriLife Extension Service.  The Gardening section of their webpage has a wealth of articles about vegetable gardening.  You could also contact them by phone, email or go by their office to ask questions.
 

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