When to plant Broccoli in Independence County, AR
Aim to plant Broccoli in Independence County on or after March 12; the window stays open through April 2. Independence County's 222-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in Independence County, AR
July in the garden — Independence County, Arkansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Independence County, Arkansas this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Collect broccoli at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- Fall sowing: broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Independence County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. 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 1,405 feet, Independence County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.
Independence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli 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 Independence County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) overlaps with Broccoli's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Independence County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
Broccoli Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Independence County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli 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.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Independence County, AR
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
222 days in Independence County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Independence County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after March 26 in Independence County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Independence County reach 91°F — grow Broccoli as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Recommended Broccoli Varieties for Independence County
Heat-tolerant broccoli — plant as early spring or fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Independence County, AR?
Independence County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Independence County, AR?
Independence County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Broccoli in Independence County, AR?
In Independence County, AR, plant Broccoli 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 Independence County, AR for Broccoli?
Independence County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli grow in Independence County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in Independence County's temperate climate. Independence County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 3.
Your Independence County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Independence County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.