Smackover, AR frost dates
How Smackover compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Smackover falls between March 1 and April 9, a 39-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 24 and November 26.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the Arkansas median of Mar 28.
- Its 228-day growing season is longer than 63% of the 603 Arkansas places with a regular frost season (state median 222 days).
- The last frost is 5 days earlier than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 53 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 1 |
| 50% (median) | March 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 24 |
| 50% (median) | November 7 |
| 90% (late) | November 26 |
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 Smackover, AR
Smackover, AR frost dates — last frost Mar 24, first frost Nov 7, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Smackover, AR
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Feb 24 – Mar 31 | Sep 12 – Oct 10 |
| Kale | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Broccoli | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Okra | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — |
| Basil | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 10 – Mar 3 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 10 – Mar 3 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 31 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | — | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | — | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 31 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 31 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 24 – Nov 28 |
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 El Dorado S Ar Rgnl Ap, AR weather station, 15 km away (elevation 253 ft (77 m)).
Frost dates near Smackover
- Norphlet Mar 18 · Nov 7
- Louann Mar 21 · Nov 6
- El Dorado Mar 24 · Nov 7
- Calion Mar 18 · Nov 7
- Mount Holly Mar 24 · Nov 7
- Stephens Mar 21 · Nov 6
- Lawson Mar 18 · Nov 7
- Camden Mar 21 · Nov 6
- Hampton Mar 18 · Nov 7
- Junction City Mar 24 · Nov 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Smackover, AR?
The median last spring frost in Smackover, AR is March 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Smackover, AR?
The median first fall frost is November 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 24.
How long is the growing season in Smackover, AR?
About 228 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Smackover, AR?
Smackover, AR is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.