Blog Post Template

---
layout: post
title: "Your SEO-Optimized Blog Post Title | North Texas Gardening"
date: 2025-08-04 10:00:00 -0500
categories: [gardening, maintenance]  # Choose from: gardening, maintenance, design, edible, sustainable, native, seasonal
excerpt: "Write a compelling 140-character description that includes your target keyword for North Texas gardening or landscaping."
featured_image: "/assets/images/portfolio/Edible Gardens/YourImage.jpg"  # Optional - remove line if no image
keywords: "north texas gardening, dallas landscaping, edible garden design, native plants texas, sustainable landscaping dallas"
---

## SEO-Optimized Introduction

Start with your target keyword naturally in the first paragraph. For example: "North Texas gardening presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can create a thriving landscape that works with our climate."

## Location-Specific Content

Always include references to:
- **North Texas, Dallas, Fort Worth** - for local SEO
- **Specific challenges** (clay soil, heat, drought)
- **Seasonal timing** relevant to our area
- **Local plant varieties** that work here

### Use H2 and H3 Headers with Keywords

Headers help search engines understand your content structure. Include keywords naturally:

### "Best Native Plants for North Texas Gardens"
### "Dallas Area Soil Preparation Tips"
### "Seasonal Planting Guide for DFW"

## Include Practical Local Advice

- **Mention specific months** ("In North Texas, plant warm-season vegetables in April...")
- **Reference local conditions** ("Our clay soil requires...")
- **Include nearby cities** when relevant (Dallas, Plano, Frisco, etc.)

## Internal Linking

Link to other pages on your site:
- "Learn more about our [landscape design services](/services/)"
- "View examples in our [portfolio](/portfolio/)"
- "Read about [sustainable design principles](/blog/previous-post/)"

## Call to Action with Location

End with location-specific calls to action:

**For North Texas residents ready to transform their landscape:**
- "Need help with your Dallas area garden? [Contact us](/contact/) for personalized advice."
- "Ready to create an edible landscape in North Texas? [Schedule a consultation](/consultation/) for $100."

---

## Introduction

Start your blog post with an engaging introduction that hooks the reader and previews what they'll learn.

## Main Content

### Use H2 and H3 headers to organize your content

Write your main content here. Include:

- **Practical tips** that readers can immediately apply
- **Personal experiences** from your 30+ years of landscaping
- **Specific advice** for North Texas climate and conditions
- **Seasonal considerations** when relevant

### Include Lists for Easy Reading

- Bullet points are great for tips
- They're easy to scan
- Readers love actionable advice

### Consider Including

1. **Before/After scenarios**
2. **Common mistakes to avoid** 
3. **Recommended plants or materials**
4. **Timing advice** (when to plant, prune, etc.)
5. **Problem-solving strategies**

## Conclusion

End with a summary of key takeaways and encourage reader engagement.

### Call to Action Examples:

- "Have questions about implementing these ideas in your garden? [Contact us](/contact/) for personalized advice."
- "Ready to transform your landscape? [Schedule a design consultation](/consultation/) for $100."
- "Want more seasonal gardening tips? [Subscribe to our updates](/contact/)."

---

## Categories to Choose From:

- **gardening** - General gardening advice and tips
- **maintenance** - Care, pruning, watering, pest control
- **design** - Landscape design concepts and inspiration  
- **edible** - Edible landscaping, vegetables, fruits, herbs
- **sustainable** - Water-wise, native plants, eco-friendly practices
- **native** - Texas native plants specifically
- **seasonal** - Season-specific advice (spring prep, winter care, etc.)

## Image Guidelines:

- Use high-quality images from the portfolio folders
- Recommended image paths:
  - `/assets/images/portfolio/Edible Gardens/[filename]`
  - `/assets/images/portfolio/Naturalistic/[filename]`
  - `/assets/images/portfolio/Modern/[filename]`
- Images should be relevant to your content
- If no featured image, remove the `featured_image` line entirely

## SEO Tips:

- Use your main keyword in the title
- Include location terms like "North Texas", "Dallas area", "Texas gardens"
- Write naturally but include relevant gardening terms
- Keep excerpt under 160 characters
- Use descriptive headers (H2, H3) with keywords

## Publishing Checklist:

- [ ] Filename follows format: `YYYY-MM-DD-title-with-hyphens.md`
- [ ] File saved in `_posts` directory
- [ ] Categories selected from approved list
- [ ] Excerpt written and under 160 characters
- [ ] Featured image path correct (or line removed)
- [ ] Content includes practical, actionable advice
- [ ] Call to action included in conclusion
- [ ] Proofread for spelling and grammar

---
layout: post
title: "Fall Vegetable Gardening in North Texas: What to Plant Now"
date: 2025-08-04 10:00:00 -0500
categories: [edible, seasonal]
excerpt: "Discover the best vegetables to plant for a productive fall harvest in the Texas climate, plus timing and care tips."
featured_image: "/assets/images/portfolio/Edible Gardens/SwissChard.jpg"
---

## Fall is the Secret Season for Texas Vegetable Gardening

While many gardeners think the growing season ends in summer, experienced Texas gardeners know that fall offers some of the best conditions for growing vegetables. With cooler temperatures and (hopefully) more reliable rainfall, fall gardens often outperform their spring counterparts.

## Best Vegetables for Texas Fall Gardens

### Quick-Growing Crops (Ready in 4-6 weeks)
- **Lettuce** - Plant varieties like Black Seeded Simpson and Buttercrunch
- **Spinach** - Bloomsdale and Space are heat-tolerant varieties
- **Radishes** - Cherry Belle and Easter Egg varieties thrive in fall
- **Arugula** - Adds peppery flavor to salads

### Medium-Season Crops (Ready in 6-10 weeks)
- **Swiss Chard** - Fordhook Giant produces all season long
- **Kale** - Winterbor and Red Russian handle Texas winters
- **Turnips** - Both roots and greens are edible
- **Asian Greens** - Bok choy and mizuna love cool weather

### Long-Season Crops (Ready in 10-14 weeks)
- **Broccoli** - Plant transplants in early September
- **Cauliflower** - Needs consistent moisture for best heads
- **Cabbage** - Early Jersey Wakefield is reliable
- **Brussels Sprouts** - Plant now for winter harvest

## Planting Timeline for North Texas

- **Early August**: Start seeds indoors for broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
- **Late August**: Direct sow lettuce, spinach, radishes
- **Early September**: Transplant brassicas, sow turnips and Asian greens
- **Late September**: Final planting of quick crops like lettuce

## Success Tips from 30 Years of Fall Gardening

1. **Improve your soil first** - Add compost and organic matter before planting
2. **Plan for water** - Fall rains aren't guaranteed; have irrigation ready
3. **Use row covers** - Protect tender crops from unexpected early freezes
4. **Succession plant** - Sow lettuce every 2 weeks for continuous harvest
5. **Watch the weather** - Be ready to protect plants when temperatures drop

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Planting too late (vegetables need time to mature before hard freeze)
- Overcrowding plants (good air circulation prevents disease)
- Neglecting water during dry spells
- Not protecting plants from cabbage worms and aphids

## Ready to Start Your Fall Garden?

Fall vegetable gardening extends your growing season and provides fresh produce when grocery store vegetables are at their most expensive. Start planning your fall garden now for the best selection and timing.

Need help designing a productive edible landscape for your property? [Schedule a design consultation](/consultation/) and let's create a plan that works with Texas seasons and your family's needs.
---