Planting Guide for Arkansas

Plant crops at the right time for a bumper crop.

The northern part of Arkansas is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6, and the southern part is in zone 8. With this climate and growing season, planting vegetables at the right time will help ensure the weather is warm enough for the seedlings to thrive.

Time Frame

Radishes are among the first vegetables to be planted.

Hardy vegetables like turnips, radishes, and onions can be planted as early as March 25 in the north. For most vegetables, though, the weather needs to be slightly warmer. Lettuce, kohlrabi, cauliflower, Irish potatoes, beets, asparagus and beans shouldn't go in before April 1, and delicate vegetables like corn, lima beans, southern peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and squash can be planted in early May. In the middle and southern parts of the state, planting times are moved as much as 6 weeks sooner.

Potential

Plant some crops again in the fall for a second harvest.

Some crops can be planted twice for a fall harvest. Spinach, radishes, turnips and beets can be planted a second time at the beginning of August, while carrots, cauliflower, kohlrabi, cabbage and broccoli can be planted as late as the last week of September.

Considerations

Asparagus can be planted near the new year in southern Arkansas.

Planting dates are approximate, and should be adjusted based on location within the state. In the south, early crops such as radishes, turnips, asparagus, lettuce and mustard can be planted as early as January 15. Late crops such as squash, lima beans, okra and cucumbers should be planted around April 1.

References

• United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: Arkansas

Resources

• The Vegetable Garden: Zones 5-6 Planting Schedule
• The Vegetable Garden: Zones 7-8 Planting Schedule