When to Plant in Fayetteville, AR

Fayetteville, Arkansas has a median last spring frost date of April 10 and a median first fall frost date of October 24, resulting in approximately 188 frost-free days. This makes for a relatively long growing season, providing ample opportunity to cultivate a variety of plants in your garden. With these frost dates in mind, gardeners can plan their planting schedules to ensure optimal growth, allowing for the flourishing of many crops that thrive in the temperate climate.

The humid subtropical (mild winters) climate of Fayetteville allows for a diverse array of crops to be grown successfully. Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers often excel in this environment, as they enjoy warm temperatures and consistent moisture. On the other hand, crops like carrots and garlic may struggle; these require a more significant cold period to develop properly, making them less suited to the warmer winter characteristics of this microclimate.

What to plant now in Fayetteville

Spring (late March to early April) is perfect for planting cold-tolerant crops like peas, lettuce, and spinach, which can be sown directly into the garden before the last frost date of April 10.
In summer (mid-May to early July), you can plant heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. They thrive when planted after the last frost of April 10.
Fall (early September to late September) is the right time to sow quick-growing crops like radishes and turnips, which can mature before the first fall frost on October 24.
Winter (January to February) is best for planning your garden layout and selecting seeds. It's a good time to start indoor seedlings for early spring planting that will go in after April 14.

In Fayetteville (197 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Fayetteville

Month	What to do
January	As winter settles in, focus on garden planning. Research what to plant based on the April 10 last frost date. Gather seeds for early spring crops like lettuce and spinach.
February	Finalize your garden plans, making use of the time before spring. Start indoor seedlings for early greens that will be placed outside after the expected frost date of April 10.
March	Begin preparing the garden bed for spring planting. As you approach the last frost date of April 10, sow cold-hardy crops like peas and radishes directly in the soil.
April	April is crucial as it contains the last frost date of April 10. Be ready to protect seedlings with frost covers if there's still a chill. Plan for summer crops to be planted following this date.
May	May is an exciting month! After the last frost, plant tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The warm soil helps these crops to thrive before the summer heat intensifies.
June	In June, continue to care for your plants by ensuring adequate water supplies as heat increases. Begin to check for pests that may thrive in the warm, humid weather.
July	July is the peak of summer. Continue watering regularly, especially for tomatoes and peppers, which require consistent moisture. Harvest early summer crops in abundance.
August	August signals late summer gardening. Begin planning for fall crops. Consider sowing quick-growing varieties like spinach and radishes that can handle the cooling temperatures.
September	September brings the first signs of fall. Sow fast-maturing crops to ensure they are harvested before the first frost on October 24. Monitor temperatures as you approach fall.
October	October, with its first frost date of October 24, is the end of the gardening season. Harvest remaining crops, and prepare your garden for winter; consider mulching to protect the soil.
November	In November, it’s time to clean up the garden. Remove dead plants and debris. You can also plant cover crops to enrich the soil for spring.
December	December is the depth of winter. Use this time for reflection on the year’s gardening successes. Start organizing your seed collection and planning your vegetable garden for the next growing season.

Frost dates for Fayetteville ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
72701	April 10	October 24	7a
72704	April 14	October 19	7a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Fayetteville?

The last frost in Fayetteville typically occurs around April 10, making this the date to keep in mind when planning spring planting.

What vegetables grow best in Fayetteville?

Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers grow exceptionally well in Fayetteville's humid subtropical climate, thriving in the warm temperatures.

When should I plant tomatoes in Fayetteville?

You should plant tomatoes after the last frost date of April 10 to ensure they establish well without frost damage.

Can I garden year-round in Fayetteville?

Gardeners in Fayetteville can extend their growing season but should take care to protect against frost when necessary.

How does Plan My Garden help Fayetteville gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice on planting dates, crop selections, and seasonal tips to enhance the gardening experience specific to Fayetteville.

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