pumpkin

Best Planting Times for Pumpkins in Arkansas

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 15 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsMay 30 – June 15
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Arkansas hardiness map

Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6a to 8a, making it suitable for a variety of pumpkin cultivars. The warm growing season allows for healthy pumpkin growth, but careful timing is crucial to avoid late-season frost.

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Useful Tools for Starting Pumpkins Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your pumpkins the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

seeds


Browse Pumpkin Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Arkansas, where summer heat can be intense, using a greenhouse helps regulate temperature and humidity levels which is crucial for pumpkin growth. It can extend the growing season and protect plants from pests and diseases, offering a controlled environment for maximum productivity.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your pumpkins thrive in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal pumpkin growth in Arkansas, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant pumpkins outdoors in Arkansas approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Arkansas’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
Little RockApril 10
Fort SmithApril 15
FayettevilleApril 5
JonesboroApril 10
Pine BluffApril 15

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for Arkansas:

Broccoli Planting in Arkansas

Kale Planting in Arkansas

Pumpkin Planting in Alabama

Pumpkin Planting in Arizona

Pumpkin Planting in Colorado

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Cucumbers Forum.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.


In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to keep the soil evenly moist, paying special attention during hot spells typical in Wisconsin’s summer.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid wetting the foliage, thus minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting and again when fruits begin to form. Incorporating compost beforehand will boost soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Maintaining vigilance is key due to Wisconsin’s varying humidity levels.
  • Adopt organic or integrated pest management strategies to safeguard watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they are fully matured, indicated by a dull skin and a hollow sound when tapped. Regular harvesting ensures you enjoy sweet, ripe fruit at its peak.
BeeJay
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