What do you get when you combine a slice of central South Texas with a warm climate and irrigation? Ideal conditions for growing vegetables year round. The region composed of Dimmit, Zavala, Frio, and La Salle counties represents such a place known as the "winter garden" of the state, an area rich in artesian waters, suitable soils, and few harsh winter freezes that might compromise crop production. Historically, the region consisted of grasses and mesquite partial to the warm, arid conditions. But once irrigation was introduced (and a lot of plow work accomplished) and the rail lines were in place, Texas began producing commercial crops like onions, spinach, beets, and strawberries with cotton, citrus, and nuts mixed in. At one time, the region supplied a significant winter vegetable crop to Texas and the rest of the country, but as water tables dropped so did production. However, the region continues to innovate today with new potential commercial crops such as olives, ideally suited to a more conservative approach to farming in the drier conditions of this modern age. With over 50 million gallons of olive oil consumed by Americans every year, winter garden farming Texans may be on to something.
EAT YOUR VEGETABLES YEAR-ROUND!
Mention a winter garden in Dimmit, Zavala, Frio, or La Salle counties and you'll likely inspire talks of commercial crop projections for peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and onions instead of your grandma's cabbage patch. This historic agricultural quadruplex is known as the Winter Garden Region and, thanks to irrigation and a relatively mild climate, boasts a year-round production of vegetables. Once an arid land composed of mesquite and short grass plains, the region experienced transformation through the employment of artesian wells and dams, turning dry-land ranching into fertile crop production. The arrival of the railroad made getting that produce to market possible and profitable. Onions featured in the first commercial venture, a production that began in 1898, kickstarting a thriving vegetable growing industry. Today, festivals celebrate the garden heritage such as the Onion Fest in Weslaco and you might find freshly pressed olive oil from the many promising orchards now established in the region at county fairs and farmer's markets. You can still drive the roads of the Tropical Trail and witness the sprinklers, canals, plows, and farmers hard at work in the fields of the state's year-round garden, drive slowly and reward yourself with a stop at the local produce stand!