When to plant Tomatoes in Monroe County County,
Tomatoes planted in Monroe County County between March 21 and April 11 matures in 85 days — well before the November 13 first frost.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Monroe County, AR
June in the garden — Monroe County, Arkansas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Basket week: tomatoes
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: tomatoes
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.
Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatoes 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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Tomatoes's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
Tomatoes 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.2" | 4.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 3.7" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 3.5" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 5.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 3.3" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3.7" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 3.6" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Monroe 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 — Monroe County, AR
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Monroe County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after March 14 in Monroe 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 Monroe County
Your long season supports large indeterminate heirloom types
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 Monroe County, AR?
Monroe County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, AR?
Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Monroe County, ?
In Monroe County, , plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, for Tomatoes?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.