When To Plant Tomatoes In Arkansas

If you’re planning your garden in Arkansas, knowing when to plant tomatoes is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right protects your tender plants from late frosts and gives them the long, warm growing season they need. This guide will walk you through the best dates, varieties, and tips for growing great tomatoes in The Natural State.

For most of Arkansas, the safe planting window for tomatoes is after the last spring frost. This date varies from north to south due to our state’s different climate zones. Planting too early is a common mistake that can set your plants back or even lose them to a cold snap.

Understanding Arkansas Planting Zones

Arkansas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b through 8a. This means our last frost dates can differ by several weeks. Here’s a general breakdown:

Northwest Arkansas (Zone 6b): Last frost around April 15-20. Aim to plant tomatoes in late April.
Central Arkansas (Zone 7a/b): Last frost around April 1-10. Mid-April is usually a safe bet for planting.
Southern Arkansas (Zone 8a): Last frost around March 20-31. You can often plant as early as late March or early April.

Always check a local frost date calendar for your specific town. A good rule is to wait until nighttime temperatures reliably stay above 50°F.

Starting Seeds vs. Buying Transplants

You have two main options: start seeds indoors yourself or purchase young plants from a nursery.

Starting seeds indoors gives you access to hundreds of unique varieties. You should begin this process 6-8 weeks before your planned outdoor planting date. For Central AR, that means sowing seeds indoors in late February.

Buying transplants is easier and perfect for beginners. Look for short, stocky plants with dark green leaves and no flowers or fruit already set. Avoid any with yellow leaves or spots.

Hardening Off Your Plants

This critical step is often overlooked. Hardening off means gradually acclimating indoor-raised plants to outdoor conditions. Over 7-10 days, expose them to sun and wind for a few more hours each day. This prevents shock and sunscald when you plant them for good.

Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties

Selecting varieties suited to Arkansas heat and humidity is key. Look for disease resistance codes like V (Verticillium wilt), F (Fusarium wilt), and T (Tobacco Mosaic Virus).

For Slicing: ‘Celebrity’ (VFNT), ‘Better Boy’ (VFN), and ‘Arkansas Traveler’ (heirloom, heat-tolerant) are excellent choices.
For Containers: Choose determinate or dwarf types like ‘Patio Choice Yellow’ or ‘Bush Early Girl’.
For Sauces: Paste tomatoes like ‘Roma’ (VF) and ‘San Marzano’ are productive and meaty.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Pick a Sunny Site: Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of direct sun daily.
Prepare the Soil: Work in several inches of compost or aged manure. Tomatoes prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.8). A soil test from your county extension office is very helpful.
Plant Deeply: Bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. This encourages a stronger root system along the buried stem. If your plants are leggy, you can lay them sideways in a trench.
Space Properly: Place plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Good air flow prevents disease.
Water and Mulch: Water deeply immediately after planting. Then apply 2-3 inches of straw or pine needle mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Provide Support: Install cages or stakes at planting time to avoid damaging roots later.

Seasonal Care for Arkansas Tomatoes

Consistent care through the summer is what leads to that successful harvest.

Watering and Feeding

Water deeply 1-2 times per week, aiming for the soil, not the leaves. Inconsistent watering leads to blossom end rot. A soaker hose is ideal.

Fertilize at planting with a balanced organic fertilizer. Then, when the first fruits are about the size of a golf ball, side-dress with a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to support fruiting. Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen, or you’ll get lots of leaves and few tomatoes.

Managing Heat and Pests

Arkansas summer heat can cause blossom drop. Mulch helps keep roots cool, and consistent watering is vital. Some varieties are more heat-set than others.

Watch for common pests like hornworms and stink bugs. Hand-pick them off or use appropriate organic controls. Diseases like early blight thrive in humid conditions. Watering at the base, good spacing, and removing lower leaves as the plant grows can help alot.

When to Expect Your Harvest

Your harvest time depends on the variety’s “days to maturity” listed on the tag. Early varieties may fruit in 55-65 days after transplanting, while main season types take 70-85 days.

Harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist them from the vine. If a frost threatens in late fall, you can pick mature green tomatoes and ripen them indoors on a windowsill.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting before the soil is warm enough (below 60°F).
Crowding plants, which reduces air circulation.
Using small, flimsy tomato cages that can’t support a full-grown plant.
Letting plants dry out completely between waterings.
Forgetting to rotate your tomato crop to a different spot in the garden each year.

FAQ: Your Tomato Questions Answered

Can I plant tomatoes in July in Arkansas?
For a fall harvest, yes! You can plant a second crop in early to mid-July. Choose early-maturing varieties and be prepared to provide extra shade and water for young seedlings in the intense heat.

What is the best month to plant tomatoes in Arkansas?
For a spring/summer harvest, April is generally the best month across the state. Southern gardeners can start in late March, while northern gardeners should wait until late April.

How early is too early to put out tomato plants?
It’s too early if nighttime temps are forecasted to dip below 50°F, or if your soil is cold and soggy. Patience pays off with healthier plants that catch up and surpass any early, stressed transplants.

Should I prune my tomato plants?
It depends. Indeterminate (vining) types benefit from pruning suckers to improve air flow. Determinate (bush) types should generally not be pruned, as it can reduce your yeild. Always use clean, sharp pruners.

By following these regional tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown tomatoes from your own Arkansas garden. The flavor of a perfectly ripe, sun-warmed tomato is worth the wait and the effort.