Arkansas Planting Guide & Growing Season
Arkansas is in USDA hardiness zone 6b-8a with a growing season of 210 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 1 and the average first fall frost is Oct 25. Climate data based on Little Rock.
Growing Conditions in Arkansas
How Arkansas Compares
Compare Arkansas's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
| Colorado (CO) | 3b-7a | May 10 | Oct 1 | 145 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Arkansas
When should I start seeds indoors in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the average last frost date is Apr 1. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Arkansas is 6b-8a, with a growing season of approximately 210 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Arkansas?
Arkansas falls in USDA hardiness zones 6b-8a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Arkansas?
The average first frost date in Arkansas is Oct 25. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Arkansas?
Arkansas has an average growing season of 210 days, from the last frost (Apr 1) to first frost (Oct 25). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.