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When to Plant Epazote in Ashley County, AR

Epazote is a pungent Mexican herb traditionally cooked with black beans to reduce their gas-causing properties. It has a strong, unique flavor that is an acquired taste.

Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.

At an elevation of 1,028 feet, Ashley County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.

Ashley County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
231 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
231 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Ashley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 19 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jul 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (112 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 6

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Epazote needs ~1,037 GDD — county provides 4,562 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Ashley County, AR

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 16
Harvest May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jul 16

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

45โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

231 days

Growing Tips for Ashley County

Direct sow after last frost. Epazote grows easily and self-sows aggressively. Use sparingly in cooking as the flavor is very strong. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Epazote in Ashley County, AR?

Ashley County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ashley County, AR?

Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ashley County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ashley County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.