When to plant Turmeric in Drew County, AR
Drew County's climate puts the Turmeric spring window between March 25 and April 15. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Turmeric in Drew County, AR
What to do in July
A quick July briefing for Drew County, Arkansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Turmeric is a tropical plant producing bright orange rhizomes with a warm, earthy flavor and potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is closely related to ginger.
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. 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 Turmeric during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turmeric root diseases.
Drew County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Turmeric 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 Turmeric's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) is within Turmeric's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Drew County is excellent for Turmeric — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Turmeric.
How to Plant Turmeric
Turmeric Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Turmeric
Turmeric needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Turmeric Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 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.
Turmeric 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.
Turmeric Planting Timeline — Drew County, AR
Turmeric 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 | December 2 | Dec 2 – Dec 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
240–300 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Drew County
Growing Tips for Turmeric in Drew County
Direct sow Turmeric outdoors after March 18 in Drew County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 237.0-day growing season in Drew County is tight for Turmeric (240.0-300.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant rhizome pieces 2 inches deep in rich, moist soil after last frost. Maintain warmth and humidity. Harvest after foliage dies back in fall. In cold climates, grow in large containers.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turmeric in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turmeric in Drew County, AR?
Drew County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Turmeric 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 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 10.
When should I plant Turmeric in Drew County, AR?
In Drew County, AR, plant Turmeric after the last frost (around March 18) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Drew County, AR for Turmeric?
Drew County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Turmeric grows reliably in zones 8a through 12b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turmeric grow in Drew County's climate?
Yes — Turmeric grows well in Drew County's temperate climate. Drew County averages a 237-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 18 and first frost around November 10.
Your Drew County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Drew County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.