When to plant in Benton, AR
USDA Zone 8aBenton, Arkansas frost dates, USDA zone, and a full-year planting calendar, drawn from the nearest NOAA station and tuned to the local season.
Zone 8a means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Benton, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
BENTON · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Benton’s own odds, recorded at BENTON.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 7 | Mar 20 | Oct 16 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Mar 24 | Mar 3 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 | Nov 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 29 | Mar 9 | Feb 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 18 | Dec 5 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Benton, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 35 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Benton planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Benton, AR?
On average, the last spring frost in Benton is around March 24 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Benton, AR?
Expect Benton's first fall frost near November 7 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is Benton in?
Benton is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. In zone 8a, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in Benton?
There are roughly 228 frost-free days in Benton (a long growing season), running from the average last frost around March 24 to the first fall frost near November 7.
When should I plant tomatoes in Benton?
In Benton, start tomato seeds indoors around January 27–February 10, then transplant seedlings outdoors around March 31 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Benton
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Benton’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Bryant · 9 km
- Little Rock · 26 km
- Malvern · 32 km
- Maumelle · 34 km
- Hot Springs Village · 37 km
- North Little Rock · 38 km
- Hot Springs · 45 km
- Sherwood · 45 km
Frost dates recorded at BENTON, 3 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Benton, AR — Frost Dates & Zone 8a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00030582. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/arkansas/benton.