You've heard the old saying, "there's a season for everything." Well the same goes for the regions we grow in. Some plants grow best in mountainous environments, and others in more arid landscapes. One way to ensure a bountiful harvest from your garden is to make sure you're cultivating crops that are known to thrive in that region.
That's where the USDA's Plant Hardiness Zone Map comes in. It's the "standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive in a location" and can be found here.
For gardeners growing in Zone 9A where I live (Harris County, Houston, TX), I've compiled a handy list below of all the best plants for Fall/Winter in our region. (Source: Harris County AgriLife)
Transplants
Artichoke
Beets
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Swiss Chard
Collards
Mustards
Onions
Turnips
Garlic
Kale
Kohlrabi
Seeds
Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Collards
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Mustards
Onions
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Typical Maturity Rates from planting to Harvest
Let me know which vegetables you pick and how they do for you!