When to Plant Tomatoes in Drew County, AR
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 1,158 feet, Drew County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatoes root diseases.
Drew County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Drew County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Tomatoes's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Drew County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 5.2" | 4.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 4.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 3.7" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3.4" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 4.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Drew County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatoes 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.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Drew County, AR
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Drew County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Drew County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after March 18 in Drew County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Tomatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Recommended Tomatoes Varieties for Drew County
Your long season supports large indeterminate heirloom types
Disease-resistant varieties for your humid climate
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Drew County, AR?
Drew County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Drew County, AR?
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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