Getting your timing right is the first step to a successful garden in The Natural State. Knowing exactly when to plant vegetables in Arkansas is the difference between a bountiful harvest and disappointment. Our unique climate, with its hot summers and generally mild winters, offers a long growing season. But it also presents challenges like late frosts and intense heat. This guide will walk you through the simple calendar and techniques you need.
When To Plant Vegetables In Arkansas
Arkansas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b through 8a. This means our last spring frost can be as early as late March in the south and as late as mid-April in the north. The first fall frost typically arrives from late October to early November. This range creates two prime planting windows: cool-season spring and fall, and the warm-season summer period.
Understanding Your Arkansas Growing Seasons
We essentially have two main gardening seasons, plus some overlap.
- Cool Season (Spring & Fall): This is for crops that thrive in cooler temperatures and can handle a light frost. They are planted in early spring for a late spring harvest, and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
- Warm Season (Summer): These are the heat-lovers that will die from frost. They go into the ground after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed up.
Your Spring Planting Schedule
Spring is a busy time! Start by working your soil when it’s dry enough to not clump. A good test is squeezing a handful; if it crumbles easily, it’s ready.
Very Early Spring (4-6 Weeks Before Last Frost)
These hardy vegetables can be direct-seeded as soon as the soil is workable. They germinate in cool soil.
- Potatoes (plant seed pieces)
- Peas (snap, snow, and shelling)
- Spinach
- Kale
- Lettuce (leaf varieties)
- Radishes
Early Spring (2-4 Weeks Before Last Frost)
You can transplant these seedlings or sow seeds. Be prepared to cover them if a hard freeze is predicted.
- Broccoli (transplants)
- Cabbage (transplants)
- Carrots (seed)
- Beets (seed)
- Swiss Chard (seed or transplant)
- Onion sets
After Last Frost (When Soil is Warm)
This is the main event. Wait until soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F. This is usually early to mid-May in north Arkansas and mid to late April in the south.
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Beans (bush and pole)
- Squash (summer and winter)
- Okra
- Sweet Corn
- Melons
Your Fall Planting Schedule
Fall gardening is often more productive and less pest-prone than spring. The key is to work backwards from your first average fall frost date. Use the “days to maturity” on your seed packet.
Mid to Late Summer (For Fall Harvest)
Start these in the heat of summer for harvest as days cool. You’ll often need to start seeds indoors or in a shaded area to protect them from the intense July/August sun.
- Calculate your first frost date (e.g., November 1).
- Find the “days to maturity” for your crop (e.g., broccoli, 70 days).
- Add 14 days for the “fall factor” (slower growth as days shorten).
- Count back that total number of days from November 1. That’s your planting date.
For example, for a 70-day broccoli: 70 + 14 = 84 days. Count back 84 days from Nov. 1, which is around August 9.
Tips for a Thriving Arkansas Garden
A little extra knowledge goes a long way in dealing with our specific climate.
- Succession Planting: Don’t plant all your lettuce at once! Sow small rows every two weeks for a continuous harvest. This works great for beans, radishes, and carrots to.
- Beat the Heat: Use mulch heavily around warm-season crops to conserve moisture and cool roots. Drip irrigation is a lifesaver during July and August droughts.
- Soil is Everything: Arkansas soil can be heavy clay. Amend it generously with compost or well-rotted manure every year to improve drainage and fertility. A soil test from your local county extension office is the best investment you can make.
- Watch for Pests: Squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and bean beetles are common. Check your plants regularly and hand-pick pests when you see them. Row covers can protect young plants.
Regional Adjustments Within Arkansas
The state’s geography creates microclimates. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Northwest & Ozarks (Zone 6b-7a): Frost dates are later in spring and earlier in fall. Be more cautious with early tomatoes. You have a slightly shorter summer season.
- Central & River Valleys (Zone 7b): This is the “average” for most guidelines. Little Rock is a good benchmark for this region.
- Southern & Southeastern (Zone 8a): You can plant warm-season crops 1-2 weeks earlier in spring and later in fall. You may even succeed with some overwintering crops like kale or carrots.
FAQ: Planting Vegetables in Arkansas
What is the best month to plant tomatoes in Arkansas?
For most of Arkansas, aim to transplant tomato seedlings outdoors in mid to late April. Wait until night temperatures reliably stay above 50°F. In north Arkansas, it may be safer to wait until early May.
Can you grow vegetables year-round in Arkansas?
With protection like cold frames or hoop houses, you can extend the season significantly. Hardy greens like spinach and kale can often survive winter with simple coverings, providing harvests on milder days.
When should I start seeds indoors for Arkansas?
Start seeds for warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. For cool-season spring crops like broccoli and cabbage, start them 8-10 weeks before your last frost. This gives them a head start for spring planting.
What are the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners?
Start with these reliable choices: tomatoes (cherry types are easiest), bush beans, cucumbers, summer squash, peppers, radishes, and leafy greens like lettuce and kale. They are forgiving and productive, giving you confidence.
How do I protect plants from a late frost?
Keep old sheets, frost cloth, or even cardboard boxes on hand. Cover plants completely before nightfall, ensuring the material doesn’t touch the foliage if possible. Uncover them in the morning once temperatures rise. Watering the soil before a frost can also help, as moist soil retains heat better.
By following this seasonal calender and paying attention to your local conditions, you’ll be well on your way to a productive garden. Remember, gardening is part science and part observation—keep notes on what works in your specific yard each year. The most important step is simply to get started and learn as you grow. Your Arkansas garden is waiting.