When to Plant in Little Rock, AR

In Little Rock, the gardening season is influenced by the median last spring frost date of March 22 and the median first fall frost date of November 12, providing approximately 219 frost-free days each year. This lengthy growing period allows gardeners to cultivate a variety of plants, enabling a productive and vibrant garden throughout the warmer months. However, it is essential to pay attention to the frost dates to ensure the health and longevity of your crops and to plan planting schedules effectively.

Little Rock's humid subtropical (mild winters) climate provides an excellent environment for growing a wide range of crops. Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants thrive in this climate because they benefit from the warm temperatures and the ample moisture. Conversely, cooler-weather crops like broccoli and peas may struggle with the region’s heat in the summer, as these plants prefer cooler temperatures and can bolt prematurely if exposed to high heat.

What to plant now in Little Rock

Spring: Begin planting cool-season crops like spinach and peas after March 31. These crops benefit from the early spring's cooler temperatures while still taking advantage of the extended growing season.
Summer: Mid to late May is ideal for planting warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers. These thrive in the heat and can produce abundantly before the fall frost on November 12.
Fall: In August, start planting fall crops like kale and Brussels sprouts. They will grow through the cooler months and be ready for harvest before or by November 5.
Winter: While February is less active for planting, consider starting seeds for early spring crops indoors. This ensures you can transplant them outside right after the last frost on March 22.

In Little Rock (235 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 Little Rock

Month	What to do
January	January is typically a quiet month in the garden. Focus on planning your garden layout and ordering seeds. Consider analyzing your soil to ensure optimum growth in the coming months.
February	As February progresses, get ready for spring gardening. Start seeds indoors for early vegetables and herbs, and prepare your garden beds by adding compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
March	March brings the last frost date of March 22. Begin planting cool-season crops outdoors like lettuce and radishes while keeping an eye on nighttime temperatures to protect fragile seedlings.
April	In April, the risk of frost diminishes, opening the door to moderate planting of warm-season crops. Transplant any seedlings started indoors and sow seeds directly for summer vegetables.
May	By late May, the soil warms, and it's ideal for planting heat-loving crops. Consider sowing beans, corn, and cucumbers now to take advantage of the growing season before the summer heat.
June	June is a peak growing month. Regularly water and mulch your plants to retain moisture. Harvest early crops like radishes and lettuce to allow more space for summer crops.
July	In July, monitor for pests and diseases as temperatures peak. Continue to care for your warm-season crops and consider starting a second round of beans or cucumbers for a late summer harvest.
August	As August approaches, prepare for fall planting. Sow seeds of cooler-weather crops like carrots and start planning for your winter vegetable garden before the first frost approaches.
September	September is crucial for fall gardening. Continue to harvest summer crops and begin planting kale and Brussels sprouts, which can withstand the cooler temperatures as fall arrives.
October	October is the transition to cooler weather. Complete any fall planting by mid-month and prepare your garden for the first frost on November 12 by covering tender plants.
November	In November, be prepared for the first fall frost on November 12. Harvest any remaining crops and consider mulching your garden to protect any perennial plants as winter approaches.
December	December presents a slower gardening pace. It's time for maintenance tasks like cleaning up the garden, cataloging seeds for next year, and planning your spring garden.

Frost dates for Little Rock ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
72209	March 22	November 12	8a
72223	March 31	November 5	8a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Little Rock?

The last frost in Little Rock typically occurs around March 22, which is a key date for starting spring planting.

What vegetables grow best in Little Rock?

Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants thrive in Little Rock’s humid subtropical (mild winters) climate due to the prolonged warmth and moisture.

When should I plant tomatoes in Little Rock?

You should plant tomatoes outdoors after the last frost on March 22, typically in mid-April for optimal growth.

Can I garden year-round in Little Rock?

Yes, thanks to the humid subtropical climate, many gardens in Little Rock can thrive year-round with careful planning and crop selection.

How does Plan My Garden help Little Rock gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored resources, seasonal advice, and planting calendars specific to Little Rock, making gardening easier and more productive.

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