Benton, AR planting zone & frost dates
Benton is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 24 and the first fall frost around November 7, for a growing season of about 229 days.
Planting calendar for Benton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 24) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 Transplant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 Transplant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 12 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 7).
Useful for zone 8a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 13 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 23 | Nov 7 | Oct 26 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 13, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 9.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Benton
- 72015 zone 8a
- 72018 zone 8a
- 72019 zone 8a
- 72158 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Bryant zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Malvern zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Little Rock zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- Maumelle zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- North Little Rock zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- Hot Springs Village zone 8a, last frost Mar 19
- Sherwood zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Hot Springs zone 8a, last frost Mar 19
Questions
What growing zone is Benton, AR?
Benton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Benton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Benton is March 24. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 13.
When can I plant tomatoes in Benton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 31 – Apr 7. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Benton, AR (USC00030582), 1.3 km (0.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 94 m, based on 18 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.