Frost Dates for Jonesboro, AR 72401

Last spring frost March 30 · First fall frost October 31 · 215 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a

Frost probability for 72401

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 16March 30March 15
Fall (first frost)October 14October 31November 16

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (36.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Jonesboro, AR

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
72401March 30October 318a
72404March 29November 48a
72405March 30October 317b

Month by month in Jonesboro

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 30). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
FebruaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MarchLast frost around March 30. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
AprilFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MaySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JuneHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JulyMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 31). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 31. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 215-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Jonesboro, AR (ZIP 72401)?

The median last spring frost date for Jonesboro, AR (ZIP code 72401) is around March 30. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Jonesboro, AR?

The median first fall frost date for Jonesboro, AR is around October 31. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Jonesboro, AR?

The frost-free growing season in Jonesboro is about 215 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Jonesboro, AR?

Based on frost date patterns, Jonesboro falls approximately in 8a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Jonesboro, AR?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 30). For Jonesboro, that's roughly February 3 to February 17. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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