When to plant Tomatoes in Plainview, AR
For Tomatoes in Plainview, the safe spring window opens around April 2 and closes around April 23. Last expected frost is March 26, first fall frost November 6, giving a 225-day growing season.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Plainview, AR
Your July gardening checklist
July is a pivotal month for Yell County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick tomatoes
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
Plainview, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Yell County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatoes root diseases.
Plainview Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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 Plainview
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) overlaps with Tomatoes's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yell County is excellent for Tomatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.2" | 5.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 3.5" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 3.7" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 5.2" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 3.5" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3.1" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 3.8" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Yell 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 — Plainview, AR
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| 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
1.2"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Yell County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Plainview
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after March 26 in Yell 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 Plainview
Disease-resistant varieties for your humid climate
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
When should I plant Tomatoes in Plainview, AR?
In Plainview, AR, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Plainview, AR for Tomatoes?
Plainview sits in USDA Zone 8a. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Plainview's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Plainview's temperate climate. Plainview averages a 225-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 6.
Your Yell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Yell 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.