Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.

08/22/2026

Think gardening season is almost over? Think again. Late summer is a great time to start preparing your Arkansas garden for fall.

Here are a few tips to keep your garden growing:

Plant cool-season vegetables. Late August into September is a good time to plant crops like lettuce, kale, spinach, carrots, radishes, turnips, mustard greens and beets.
Keep newly planted seeds moist. Arkansas temperatures can still be high in late summer, so consistent watering is especially important while seeds are germinating.
Add mulch. A layer of mulch can help conserve soil moisture, reduce weeds and protect the soil as temperatures begin to change.
Clear out struggling summer plants. Removing spent or diseased plants makes room for fall crops and can help reduce pest and disease problems.
Test your soil. Fall is a great time to have your garden soil tested and determine what improvements may be needed before next year's growing season.
Don't give up after the first cool night. Many fall vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures, and some can tolerate light frost.

There's still plenty of growing season left in Arkansas. A little work now can keep your garden producing well into the fall.

08/19/2026

Have a conservation project in mind for your farm or property?

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to put conservation practices on the ground.

In Arkansas, EQIP can help address concerns like water quality and conservation, soil health and erosion, and forest health.

One of the best parts? NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan based on the needs of their land.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, although funding is considered during specific ranking periods.

Interested? Your local USDA NRCS office is a great place to start.

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07/02/2026

Many garden vegetables produce more when harvested regularly.

Cucumbers, beans, squash, peppers, and okra often continue setting fruit when mature produce is picked promptly. Regular harvesting can help maintain plant health and extend the productive life of your garden.

What are you harvesting this week?

06/30/2026

Many garden crops depend on pollinators for successful production.

Planting flowers near vegetable gardens can help attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Native flowering plants provide valuable habitat while supporting pollinator populations throughout the growing season.

Healthy pollinator populations contribute to healthy gardens, farms, and ecosystems.

06/28/2026

Mulch is one of the simplest tools available to gardeners.

Benefits include:
• Reduced water loss
• Fewer weeds
• Improved soil health
• More consistent soil temperatures

Organic mulches such as straw, shredded leaves, and untreated wood chips gradually break down and contribute organic matter to the soil.

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive gardens and farms. Reach out to your local Conservation District to find out more about healthy soils!

06/24/2026

Bell peppers and hot peppers thrive in Arkansas's warm summer temperatures. With adequate sunlight and consistent moisture, pepper plants can continue producing well into the growing season.

Whether you prefer sweet peppers for salads or hot peppers for salsa, Arkansas gardens provide excellent conditions for a successful harvest.

What pepper varieties are growing in your garden?

06/23/2026

Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops grown in Arkansas gardens, and summer is when many gardeners begin seeing their hard work pay off.

Consistent watering, proper mulching, and harvesting fruits as they ripen can help keep plants productive throughout the season.

What varieties are you growing this year? Share your favorites in the comments.

05/25/2026

As Memorial Day approaches, we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

We are grateful for their sacrifice.

05/21/2026

The Pawpaw tree is one of Arkansas’s most interesting native species.

It produces the largest edible fruit native to North America and thrives in woodland settings. Pawpaw trees also support pollinators and native wildlife.

Have you ever tried pawpaw fruit?

05/16/2026

Sweetgum trees are common across Arkansas and easy to recognize by their star-shaped leaves.

They provide shade, wildlife habitat, and seasonal color, while playing an important role in local forests.

Do you have sweetgum trees near your home?