When to Plant Watermelon in Crawford County, AR
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.
Crawford County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. 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 902 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°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.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Watermelon Planting Timeline — Crawford 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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
222 days
Growing Tips for Crawford 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
Level Up Your Garden
Watermelon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watermelon in Crawford County, AR?
Crawford County is in Zone 7a 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 Crawford County, AR?
Crawford County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Crawford County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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