Texas has been really dry for the last couple years. I would suggest you start your garden with ammending the soil with a lot of compost. Planting veggies in my area (near Austin) is not something I would do until around the beginning of March unless I am using a cold frame or greenhouse. I do start some of my seeds inside then plant in the garden. Sometimes people hear Texas and immediately think always HOT but we do have our colder periods.
If you can't get hold of your local county extension agency, you might talk to greenhouses or even get in touch with Texas A&M or Tech. Most of the time there will be someone who can answer your questions.