Last spring frost
Mar 17
Frost Dates for Mellwood, AR
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
238 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Mellwood, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 17 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 238-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 31 | Mar 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 17 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 5 | Feb 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 21 | Jan 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 |
| 32°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 |
| 20°F | Mar 2 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Feb 19 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 30 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 10 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 23 | Dec 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 7 | Jan 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 5 |
| 20°F | Nov 29 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 15 | Jan 28 |
| 16°F | Dec 14 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 24 | Feb 4 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Saint Charles, Ar, about 10 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 200 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Mellwood, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Mellwood, AR is about Mar 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Mellwood, AR typically arrives about Nov 10. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Mar 17 on average, or Feb 28 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 238 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 72048 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026