What would you do if you had to start your garden completely from scratch in Zone 9a?

In this solo episode of The Compost Pile, David breaks down exactly how to build a successful garden in Southeast Texas — from improving heavy clay soil and preventing compaction to choosing heat-tolerant crops that thrive in our humidity.

If you're gardening in Southeast Texas, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes like planting too early, overwatering, and choosing crops that struggle in our climate.

We cover:

• How to fix clay soil and improve drainage
• Why soil health and root oxygen matter
• Best beginner crops for Zone 9a gardens
• Why cherry tomatoes outperform large slicers in heat
• Planning for July heat before it arrives
• Drip irrigation vs hand watering
• Managing pests like  ...