State growing guide
Arkansas Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7a/7b · Last frost Mar 25 · First frost Nov 10 · 229 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Arkansas.
Frost Dates by City — Arkansas
Average frost dates for major Arkansas cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Fayetteville | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Fort Smith | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Texarkana | 8a | Mar 5 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 5) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Arkansas Gardeners
- Transplant tomatoes mid-March in central Arkansas
- Direct sow okra and beans in late April when soil hits 65°F
- Plant fall tomatoes in late July for October harvest
- Native blackberries and muscadine grapes thrive with minimal care
Common Challenges in Arkansas
- ⚠ Heavy clay soil — add compost generously every season
- ⚠ Hot humid summers promote tomato blight and powdery mildew
- ⚠ Stink bugs are increasing — painful to manage organically
Best Crops for Arkansas
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Arkansas
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas Gardening
What zone is Arkansas?
Arkansas ranges from Zone 6a in the northern Ozarks to Zone 8a near Texarkana. Central Arkansas (Little Rock) is Zone 7b.
When to plant tomatoes in Arkansas?
In central Arkansas (Zone 7b), transplant tomatoes mid-to-late March after last frost risk. In northern Arkansas (Zone 6a), wait until early April.