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When to plant Watermelon in Faulkner County, AR

In Faulkner County, plant Watermelon in spring between April 2 and April 23, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Faulkner County's last frost averages March 26, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 70–100 days before the first frost on November 3.

When to Plant Watermelon in Faulkner County, AR

Watermelon

Watermelon is a sprawling vine crop that produces sweet, juicy fruits in hot weather. Varieties range from personal-sized icebox types to 50-pound giants.

Faulkner County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 211 feet, Faulkner County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Watermelon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Watermelon root diseases.

Faulkner County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Faulkner County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Watermelon to Grow

15-20 lbs
Average yield per plant
1
Plants per person
2 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 4 watermelon plants in about 8 sq ft. In Faulkner County's 222-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Watermelon Planting Timeline — Faulkner County, AR

Watermelon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Aug 6

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

222 days in Faulkner County

Growing Tips for Faulkner County

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow after soil is warm. Plant on mounds with plenty of space. Check ripeness by looking for a yellow ground spot and dull thump when tapped.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Watermelon in Faulkner County, AR?

Faulkner County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Watermelon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Faulkner County, AR?

Faulkner County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Watermelon in Faulkner County, AR?

In Faulkner County, AR, plant Watermelon after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Faulkner County, AR for Watermelon?

Faulkner County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Watermelon grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Watermelon grow in Faulkner County's climate?

Yes — Watermelon grows well in Faulkner County's temperate climate. Faulkner County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Faulkner County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Faulkner 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.

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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 Faulkner County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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