Helena-West Helena, AR planting zone & frost dates
Helena-West Helena is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 15 and the first fall frost around November 16, for a growing season of about 246 days.
Planting calendar for Helena-West Helena
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 15) 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 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 16).
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 | Feb 27 | Mar 15 | Apr 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 4 | Nov 16 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 3.
Nearby cities
- Forrest City zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- West Memphis zone 8a, last frost Mar 19
- Marion zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Jonesboro zone 7b, last frost Apr 1
- Searcy zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Pine Bluff zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Cabot zone 8a, last frost Apr 4
- Paragould zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
Questions
What growing zone is Helena-West Helena, AR?
Helena-West Helena 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 Helena-West Helena?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Helena-West Helena is March 15. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in Helena-West Helena?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 22 – Mar 29. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Helena, AR (USC00033242), 0.9 km (0.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 59 m, based on 29 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.