When to Plant Watermelon in Izard 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.
Izard County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 281 feet, Izard County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Watermelon during the growing season.
Izard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Izard County
How your county's soil matches Watermelon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Watermelon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Izard County is excellent for Watermelon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Watermelon.
How to Plant Watermelon
Succession Planting Watermelon
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Watermelon Planting Timeline — Izard County, AR
Watermelon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 12 |
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
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Izard County
Growing Tips for Watermelon in Izard County
Direct sow Watermelon outdoors after April 01 in Izard County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Watermelon in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Izard County, AR?
Izard County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Watermelon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Izard County, AR?
Izard County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Izard County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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