Frost dates for 72143Searcy, AR
The average last spring frost in Searcy is March 27 and the average first fall frost is November 8, giving a typical growing season of about 228 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 27
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 8
- Growing season
- 228 days
Safer after Apr 12 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 24 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 5 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 21 · Apr 7 · Apr 23 | Oct 16 · Oct 29 · Nov 11 | 205 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 5 · Mar 27 · Apr 12 | Oct 24 · Nov 8 · Nov 25 | 228 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 23 · Mar 12 · Mar 31 | Nov 2 · Nov 19 · Dec 5 | 250 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Searcy
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – May 2 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Jul 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 27 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Apr 11 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 – Jul 29 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 – May 27 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 – Aug 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 – Jul 19 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 19 – May 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Apr 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Apr 26 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 13 – Feb 9 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 6 – Mar 12 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 9 – Jul 19 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 8 – Aug 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 27 – Feb 24 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Mar 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 29 – Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 29 – Aug 29 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – May 12 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 29 – Sep 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 17 – Apr 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 15 – Sep 19 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Apr 16 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 29 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 2 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 22 – Aug 29 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 27 – May 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 29 – Aug 14 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 29 – Nov 29 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 72143 is matched to the NOAA station Searcy, AR, 3 km away, at 230 ft elevation (3 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Searcy, AR (used) | 230 ft | Mar 27 | Nov 8 |
| Des Arc, AR | 200 ft | Mar 11 | Nov 14 |
| Cabot, AR | 300 ft | Apr 4 | Oct 31 |
| Greers Ferry Dam, AR | 527 ft | Mar 31 | Nov 6 |
Frost dates near Searcy
- Searcy, AR 72149 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
- Kensett, AR 72082 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
- Higginson, AR 72068 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
- Judsonia, AR 72081 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
- Garner, AR 72052 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
- West Point, AR 72178 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
- Letona, AR 72085 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
- Mc Rae, AR 72102 · last Mar 27, first Nov 8
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Searcy, AR?
- For ZIP code 72143, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 27, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Searcy, AR weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 12.
- When is the first frost in Searcy, AR?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 8. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 24, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 72143?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 228 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.