Fort Smith, AR planting zone & frost dates
Fort Smith is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 25 and the first fall frost around November 6, for a growing season of about 224 days.
Planting calendar for Fort Smith
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 25) 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 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 6).
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 4 | Mar 25 | Apr 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 21 | Nov 6 | Oct 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 11.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Fort Smith
- 72901 zone 8a
- 72902 zone 8a
- 72903 zone 8a
- 72904 zone 8a
- 72905 zone 8a
- 72906 zone 8a
- 72908 zone 8a
- 72913 zone 8a
- 72914 zone 8a
- 72916 zone 8a
- 72917 zone 8a
- 72918 zone 8a
- 72919 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Van Buren zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- Fayetteville zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Siloam Springs zone 7a, last frost Mar 31
- Springdale zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Centerton zone 7a, last frost Apr 12
- Rogers zone 7a, last frost Apr 12
- Bentonville zone 7a, last frost Apr 12
- Bella Vista zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
Questions
What growing zone is Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Fort Smith is March 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Fort Smith?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 1 – Apr 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Ft Smith Rgnl Ap, AR (USW00013964), 6.7 km (4.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 137 m, based on 27 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.