Gardening in Austin

I recently moved to Austin, TX quite unexpectedly.  I was planning on moving here when I sold our house in St. Louis, however, my husband fell and broke his femur and had to have surgery so I came down immediately.  

I am planning on starting some seeds today.  I went to the local gardening center and they had Thompson and Morgan seeds.  I always order from them online but had not seen their seeds at a garden center since Frank's went out of business.  Got some basil and monarda seeds.  Both require light to germinate.  I have a patio to garden in.  Hopefully I get enough light.   I had already ordered a seed starting system from Gardener's Supply.  It is made of styrofoam with a wicking system.  I have used them before and really like how my seeds turn out.  I had to compost my St. Louis seedlings before I left.  Goodbye zinnias and marigolds.  

I am looking forward to getting a house here with a sunny place to garden in.