When to plant Broccoli in Vandervoort, AR
Aim to plant Broccoli in Vandervoort on or after March 19; the window stays open through April 9. Vandervoort's 215-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in Vandervoort, AR
This month in Polk County, Arkansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Polk County, Arkansas this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for broccoli
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Vandervoort, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 1,323 feet, Polk County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.
Vandervoort Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Vandervoort
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Broccoli's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Polk County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
Broccoli Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Polk County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Vandervoort, AR
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Vandervoort
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after April 02 in Polk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Polk County reach 91°F — grow Broccoli as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Recommended Broccoli Varieties for Vandervoort
Heat-tolerant broccoli — plant as early spring or fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
When should I plant Broccoli in Vandervoort, AR?
In Vandervoort, AR, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Vandervoort, AR for Broccoli?
Vandervoort sits in USDA Zone 8a. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli grow in Vandervoort's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in Vandervoort's temperate climate. Vandervoort averages a 215-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 3.
Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Polk County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.