Henderson, AR frost dates
How Henderson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Henderson falls between March 14 and April 18, a 35-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 19 and November 17.
- The median last frost is 3 days later than the Arkansas median of Mar 28.
- Its 215-day growing season is longer than 30% of the 603 Arkansas places with a regular frost season (state median 222 days).
- The last frost is 16 days earlier than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 85 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 14 |
| 50% (median) | March 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 19 |
| 50% (median) | November 1 |
| 90% (late) | November 17 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Henderson, AR
Henderson, AR frost dates — last frost Mar 31, first frost Nov 1, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Henderson, AR
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Mar 3 – Apr 7 | Sep 6 – Oct 4 |
| Kale | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Broccoli | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cabbage | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Okra | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Basil | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 24 – Apr 7 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 14 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 18 – Nov 22 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Mtn Home 1 Nnw, AR weather station, 19 km away (elevation 801 ft (244 m)).
Frost dates near Henderson
- Gamaliel Mar 31 · Nov 1
- Gepp Apr 8 · Oct 30
- Elizabeth Apr 14 · Oct 28
- Clarkridge Mar 31 · Nov 1
- Viola Apr 8 · Oct 30
- Bexar Apr 14 · Oct 28
- Mountain Home Mar 31 · Nov 1
- Dolph Apr 14 · Oct 28
- Norfork Apr 14 · Oct 28
- Midway Apr 2 · Nov 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Henderson, AR?
The median last spring frost in Henderson, AR is March 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Henderson, AR?
The median first fall frost is November 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 19.
How long is the growing season in Henderson, AR?
About 215 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Henderson, AR?
Henderson, AR is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.