Location

• Any vegetable garden requires full sun exposure all day to take advantage of the warmth and light. The garden should drain well and be located in a place that's protected from bitter winter storms.
  
  

Soil

• All vegetables require quick-draining soil and nutrition from rich organic compost. Garden plots should be worked with a rake beforehand, to loosen the soil, mix in any soil amendments and remove rocks and weeds.
  
  

Spring Planting

• The last frost date in Arkansas falls between March 20 to April 20, so outdoor vegetables should be started during this period. Indoor vegetables should start mid-February to mid-March, for transplant into the outdoor garden after the last frost date. Good spring vegetables include tomatoes, beans, peppers, eggplants and summer squash.
  
  

Fall Planting

• The first fall frost in Arkansas ranges from October 20 to November 15. Gardeners who want to put in fall vegetable gardens should do their planting by September to allow the plants time to root and establish before frost. Good fall vegetables include winter squash, rutabagas, potatoes, turnips and beets.