Frost dates for 72544Henderson, AR
The average last spring frost in Henderson is March 31 and the average first fall frost is November 1, giving a typical growing season of about 214 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 31
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 1
- Growing season
- 214 days
Safer after Apr 18 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 19 (1-in-10 risk)
Last frost typically in 148 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 27 · Apr 12 · Apr 30 | Oct 11 · Oct 23 · Nov 4 | 193 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 14 · Mar 31 · Apr 18 | Oct 19 · Nov 1 · Nov 17 | 214 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 3 · Mar 20 · Apr 5 | Oct 30 · Nov 12 · Dec 1 | 237 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Henderson
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 28 – May 6 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – Jul 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 28 – Mar 31 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 31 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 17 – Apr 15 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 31 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 – Jul 22 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 16 – May 31 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 – May 31 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 16 – Aug 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 16 – Jul 12 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 – May 31 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 23 – May 16 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 28 – Apr 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 28 – Apr 30 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 17 – Feb 13 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 10 – Mar 16 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 2 – Jul 12 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 1 – Aug 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 31 – Feb 28 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 28 – Mar 31 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 22 – Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 22 – Aug 22 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 28 – May 16 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 22 – Sep 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 21 – Apr 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 8 – Sep 12 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 28 – Apr 20 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 22 – Sep 22 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 6 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 15 – Aug 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 31 – May 16 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 22 – Aug 7 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 22 – Nov 22 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 72544 is matched to the NOAA station Mtn Home 1 Nnw, AR, 19.2 km away, at 800 ft elevation (35 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mtn Home 1 Nnw, AR (used) | 800 ft | Mar 31 | Nov 1 |
| Mountain Home Baxter Ap, AR | 928 ft | Apr 2 | Nov 1 |
| Calico Rock 2 Wsw, AR | 350 ft | Apr 14 | Oct 28 |
| Salem, AR | 680 ft | Apr 8 | Oct 30 |
Frost dates near Henderson
- Gamaliel, AR 72537 · last Mar 31, first Nov 1
- Gepp, AR 72538 · last Apr 8, first Oct 30
- Elizabeth, AR 72531 · last Mar 31, first Nov 1
- Clarkridge, AR 72623 · last Mar 31, first Nov 1
- Bakersfield, MO 65609 · last Mar 31, first Nov 1
- Udall, MO 65766 · last Mar 31, first Nov 1
- Viola, AR 72583 · last Apr 8, first Oct 30
- Bexar, AR 72515 · last Apr 8, first Oct 30
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Henderson, AR?
- For ZIP code 72544, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 31, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Mtn Home 1 Nnw, AR weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 18.
- When is the first frost in Henderson, AR?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 1. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 19, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 72544?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 214 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.