Frost Dates for Mena, AR 71953
Last spring frost April 7 · First fall frost October 20 · 196 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 71953 has about 13,400 people.
Long season: 196 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 27–April 19 (23 days). Fall frost risk spans October 3–November 8 (36 days).
Frost probability for 71953
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 19 | April 7 | March 27 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 3 | October 20 | November 8 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at WALDRON (36.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 196-day season in Mena
In Mena (196 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 3 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 154 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 21. | Jun 20 |
| Pepper | Feb 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 154 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 21. | Jun 25 |
| Lettuce | Feb 10 | Mar 10–Mar 17 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 10 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 17–Mar 24 | 238 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 238 available after Mar 17. | Aug 18 |
| Cucumber | Mar 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Beans | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
| Peas | — | Feb 10–Apr 21 | 259 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 259 available after Feb 10. | Aug 9 |
| Zucchini | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Onion | Jan 13 | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 231 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 231 available after Mar 10. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 10–Mar 31 | 273 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 10 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Kale | Jan 27 | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 10 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Feb 10 | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 231 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 231 available after Mar 10. | Jul 25 |
| Cabbage | Feb 10 | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 245 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 245 available after Mar 10. | Aug 18 |
| Radish | — | Feb 10–May 5 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 10 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 18 |
| Beets | — | Feb 10–May 5 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 10 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 24–Mar 31 | 217 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 217 available after Mar 24. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 20 | 301 | overwinter: Plant Oct 20 to Nov 10; harvest the following summer. | Nov 10 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 3–Apr 28 | 252 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 3; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 10 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 168 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 14. | Jul 2 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 21 | 161 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 21. | Jun 7 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 24 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 210 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 31. | Jul 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 10 | Mar 24–Mar 24 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 10–May 5 | 273 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 10 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 10 | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 245 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 245 available after Mar 10. | Jul 19 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 161 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 21. | Jun 7 |
| Eggplant | Feb 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 154 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 21. | Jun 30 |
| Okra | Mar 10 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 175 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Basil | Mar 3 | Apr 28–Apr 28 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 10–Mar 31 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 10 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Parsley | Jan 27 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 196 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 14. | Aug 4 |
| Celery | Jan 27 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 196 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 14. | Jun 15 |
| Scallions | Jan 27 | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 10 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 10 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 7 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 24–Mar 10 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 24 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 10 | Mar 31–Apr 7 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Collards | Jan 27 | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 10 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 154 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 21. | Jun 15 |
| Chives | Jan 13 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 210 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 210 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 10–May 5 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 10 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Oregano | Jan 27 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 210 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 210 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 13 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 196 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Sage | Feb 10 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 210 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 210 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 27 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 210 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 210 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 24 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Cosmos | Mar 10 | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Lavender | Jan 13 | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 217 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 7. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 24 | Apr 7–Apr 14 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 6. | Aug 3 |
| Melons | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 154 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 21. | Jun 15 |
| Mint | — | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 217 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 7. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 10 | Apr 7–Apr 14 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 175 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 14. | Jul 19 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 161 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 21. | Jun 17 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 182 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 7. | Jul 14 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 10 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 161 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 14. | Jun 25 |
| Watermelon | Mar 24 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 161 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 14. | Jun 20 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Zinnias | Mar 10 | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
Month by month in Mena
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 13), Lavender (Jan 13), Onion (Jan 13), Rosemary (Jan 13), Celery (Jan 27), Collards (Jan 27), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 10), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 10), Cabbage (Feb 10), Lettuce (Feb 10), Sage (Feb 10), Swiss Chard (Feb 10), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 10), Beets (Feb 10), Dill (Feb 10), Peas (Feb 10), Radish (Feb 10), Spinach (Feb 10), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 3), Tomato (Mar 3), Bok Choy (Mar 10), Corn (Mar 10), Cosmos (Mar 10), Nasturtiums (Mar 10), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 10), Turnip (Mar 10), Carrots (Mar 17), Potatoes (Mar 24). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 10), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 10), Cabbage (Mar 10), Collards (Mar 10), Kale (Mar 10), Lettuce (Mar 10), +6 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 3). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 7), Beans (Apr 14), Pole Beans (Apr 14). Transplant from: Cosmos (Apr 7), Lavender (Apr 7), Marigolds (Apr 7), Mint (Apr 7), Nasturtiums (Apr 7), Zinnias (Apr 7), +23 more. Last frost around April 7. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 7), Pumpkin (Jun 7), Cantaloupe (Jun 15), Celery (Jun 15), Melons (Jun 15), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 17), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Corn (Jul 2), Sunflowers (Jul 14), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 19), Pole Beans (Jul 19), Basil (Jul 24), Cosmos (Jul 24), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 3), Parsley (Aug 4), Peas (Aug 9), Cabbage (Aug 18), Carrots (Aug 18), Beets (Aug 19), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 2), Kohlrabi (Sep 2), Turnip (Sep 7), Arugula (Sep 17), Spinach (Sep 17), Radish (Sep 18). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 20). First frost around October 20. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 10). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Mena, AR (ZIP 71953)?
The median last spring frost date for Mena, AR (ZIP code 71953) is around April 7. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before March 27; one in ten it runs past April 19.
What is the first fall frost date in Mena, AR?
The median first fall frost date for Mena, AR is around October 20. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 3 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Mena, AR?
The frost-free growing season in Mena is about 196 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Mena (196 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Mena, AR?
Mena, AR is in USDA hardiness zone 8a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Mena, AR?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 3 and plant out Apr 21 in Mena. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Mena?
Two: plant Mar 10 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27.
When do I plant garlic in Mena?
Oct 20 to Nov 10; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Mena?
Yes: plant out Apr 21 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 20 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Poteau (ZIP 74953) has 214 frost-free days, 18 more than Mena (ZIP 71953). See Poteau ZIP 74953 frost dates
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