Jonesboro, AR planting zone & frost dates
Jonesboro is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 1 and the first fall frost around November 1, for a growing season of about 215 days.
Planting calendar for Jonesboro
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 1) 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: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 6 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 1).
Useful for zone 7b 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 15 | Apr 1 | Apr 18 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 16 | Nov 1 | Oct 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 18, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Jonesboro
- 72401 zone 8a
- 72402 zone 8a
- 72403 zone 7b
- 72404 zone 8a
- 72405 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Paragould zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Blytheville zone 8a, last frost Mar 18
- Marion zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Forrest City zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- West Memphis zone 8a, last frost Mar 19
- Batesville zone 7b, last frost Mar 30
- Searcy zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Helena-West Helena zone 8a, last frost Mar 15
Questions
What growing zone is Jonesboro, AR?
Jonesboro is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Jonesboro?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Jonesboro is April 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 18.
When can I plant tomatoes in Jonesboro?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 8 – Apr 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Jonesboro 2 Ne, AR (USC00033734), 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 94 m, based on 26 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.