Arkansas Frost Dates & Growing Season Guide
Arkansas (AR) spans USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7b, 8a, with growing seasons ranging from 207 days in Fayetteville to 250 days in Pine Bluff. The average growing season across the state is approximately 232 days.
Arkansas City Frost Dates
The table below shows the average last spring frost date, first fall frost date, growing season length, and USDA hardiness zone for each city. Click a city name for detailed planting calendars and zone information.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Growing Season | Zone | Min Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | March 17 | November 12 | 240 days | 7b | 5°F |
| Fort Smith | March 22 | November 8 | 231 days | 7b | 5°F |
| Fayetteville | April 5 | October 29 | 207 days | 6b | -5°F |
| Pine Bluff | March 10 | November 15 | 250 days | 8a | 10°F |
Planting Windows for Arkansas
Based on average frost dates, here are the recommended planting windows for each city. The indoor seed start date is approximately seven weeks before the last spring frost. Transplanting should occur about two weeks after the last frost. The last direct sow date for fall crops is ten weeks before the first fall frost.
| City | Start Seeds Indoors | Transplant After | Last Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | January 28 | March 31 | September 3 |
| Fort Smith | February 2 | April 5 | August 30 |
| Fayetteville | February 16 | April 19 | August 20 |
| Pine Bluff | January 21 | March 24 | September 6 |
Gardening in Arkansas
Arkansas has a moderate climate that supports a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. The state spans zones 6b to 8a, so gardening approaches differ between the cooler Ozark region in the northwest and the warmer Delta lowlands in the southeast. Most of the state enjoys a growing season over 200 days, making it well-suited for warm-season staples like tomatoes, peppers, okra, and sweet potatoes. Fall gardens do well with cool-season greens planted in September. Clay soils are common and benefit from generous amendment with compost and organic matter.
Understanding Arkansas's Hardiness Zones
Arkansas includes USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7b, 8a. These zones indicate the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature for each area, which determines which perennial plants, trees, and shrubs can survive winter without protection. When purchasing trees, shrubs, or perennial flowers, always check that the plant is rated for your hardiness zone or a lower (colder) zone number.
Tips for Using Arkansas Frost Dates
These frost dates represent long-term averages and should be treated as guidelines rather than guarantees. In any given year, the actual last spring frost or first fall frost may arrive one to three weeks earlier or later than the average. Factors that affect your specific location include elevation above the city center, proximity to water, slope direction, and whether you are in an urban or rural area. South-facing slopes and areas near large pavement or building masses tend to be warmer than surrounding open land. Low-lying valleys and exposed hilltops are often colder than mid-slope positions.
To protect against late spring frosts, keep row cover fabric, old bed sheets, or frost blankets on hand. Monitor your local weather forecast daily as the average frost date approaches. When frost is predicted after you have transplanted, covering plants in the late afternoon traps ground heat and can protect against temperatures down to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit. For fall season extension, the same covers protect mature plants from early frosts, often buying several additional weeks of harvest.