Pine Bluff, AR planting zone & frost dates
Pine Bluff is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 14 and the first fall frost around November 16, for a growing season of about 245 days.
Planting calendar for Pine Bluff
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 14) 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 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 16).
Useful for zone 8b 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 27 | Mar 14 | Apr 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 16 | Oct 31 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 31. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Pine Bluff
- 71601 zone 8b
- 71603 zone 8a
- 71611 zone 8b
- 71613 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Little Rock zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- North Little Rock zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- Bryant zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Sherwood zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Jacksonville zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Benton zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Cabot zone 8a, last frost Apr 4
- Maumelle zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
Questions
What growing zone is Pine Bluff, AR?
Pine Bluff is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Pine Bluff?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Pine Bluff is March 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Pine Bluff?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 21 – Mar 28. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Pine Bluff, AR (USC00035754), 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 70 m, based on 29 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.