Madison County, AR — Planting Guide
Madison County is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 801 ft, Madison County receives approximately 54.2 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 90°F with winter lows around 21°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
7b (5°F to 10°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 6
🍂 First Frost
October 29
📅 Growing Season
206 days
⛰️ Elevation
801 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
54.2 in
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil & Growing Conditions in Madison County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
With 54.2 inches of annual rainfall, supplemental watering is typically only needed during summer dry spells.
Season Tips
206-day frost-free season
Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
Monthly Planting Guide for Madison County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Madison County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Madison County, AR?
Madison County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Madison County, AR?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Madison County falls around April 6. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Madison County, AR?
The median first fall frost in Madison County arrives around October 29. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log