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Arkansas · Local Gardening
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in Arkansas — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
Arkansas spans USDA zones 6b (Ozark highlands) to 8a (south AR / Texarkana area). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
6b (Ozark highlands) to 8a (south AR / Texarkana area)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Ozark soils are thin and acidic — lime and compost are essential. Delta soils are productive but may need potassium. South AR sandy soils need nitrogen and organic matter. UA Extension soil tests run about $7 per sample.
Know your soil
Arkansas soils vary dramatically by region. The Delta's alluvial soils are rich and silty. The Ozarks have thin, rocky, acidic soils that drain fast. The River Valley has productive silt loam. South Arkansas has sandy, acidic Coastal Plain soils. Get a soil test before you invest in amendments.
Map your soil type with USDA Web Soil Survey →Free soil testing
Free or low-cost soil testing available through your county Extension office
Results include specific lime and fertilizer recommendations
Most states offer testing April through fall — fees apply in winter
Results typically returned within 10 business days
Next steps
Preserve what you grow
Arkansas Extension offers food preservation workshops — and NWS has the full canning guides.
Food IndependenceGet the checklist
Spring prep, frost protection, soil test timing, and compost setup — timed to regional frost dates.
AR Checklists