West Memphis, AR planting zone & frost dates
West Memphis is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 19 and the first fall frost around November 10, for a growing season of about 235 days.
Planting calendar for West Memphis
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 19) 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 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 10).
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 1 | Mar 19 | Apr 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 30 | Nov 10 | Oct 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 7, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in West Memphis
- 72301 zone 8a
- 72303 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Marion zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Forrest City zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- Helena-West Helena zone 8a, last frost Mar 15
- Blytheville zone 8a, last frost Mar 18
- Jonesboro zone 7b, last frost Apr 1
- Paragould zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Searcy zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Batesville zone 7b, last frost Mar 30
Questions
What growing zone is West Memphis, AR?
West Memphis 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 West Memphis?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in West Memphis is March 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in West Memphis?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 26 – Apr 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station W Memphis, AR (USC00037712), 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 66 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.