Searcy, AR planting zone & frost dates
Searcy is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 27 and the first fall frost around November 8, for a growing season of about 228 days.
Planting calendar for Searcy
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 27) 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 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 8).
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 5 | Mar 27 | Apr 12 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 25 | Nov 8 | Oct 24 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 12, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 24. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 12.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Searcy
- 72143 zone 8a
- 72145 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Cabot zone 8a, last frost Apr 4
- Batesville zone 7b, last frost Mar 30
- Jacksonville zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Sherwood zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- North Little Rock zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- Conway zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Little Rock zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- Maumelle zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
Questions
What growing zone is Searcy, AR?
Searcy 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 Searcy?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Searcy is March 27. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 12.
When can I plant tomatoes in Searcy?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 3 – Apr 10. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Searcy, AR (USC00036506), 2.6 km (1.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 70 m, based on 30 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.