When to plant Shallot in Clark County, AR
Clark County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Plant Shallot between March 8 (after last frost on March 22) and March 29. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Clark County, AR
July in the garden — Clark County, Arkansas
Each item below is timed to Clark County, Arkansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting shallot
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- First harvests: shallot
- Fall sowing: shallot
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Clark County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 1,350 feet, Clark County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot 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 Clark County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clark County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Shallot.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Shallot Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot
Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shallot Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Clark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot 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.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Clark County, AR
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Clark County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after March 22 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Clark County, AR?
Clark County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, AR?
Clark County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Shallot in Clark County, AR?
In Clark County, AR, plant Shallot after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clark County, AR for Shallot?
Clark County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Clark County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 9.
Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clark 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.