When to Plant in Nebraska: Vegetable & Flower Planting Calendar
Quick answer
Plant around your local last spring frost: across the 586 Nebraska ZIP codes where frost comes in most years, the median is Apr 27 and the median first fall frost is Oct 11 (nearest NOAA station, 1991–2020). Transplant tomatoes 1–2 weeks after your last frost: Zone 5 areas: May 7 – May 14; Zone 6 areas: Apr 30 – May 7.
Nebraska spans USDA hardiness zones 5a–6a on the 2023 USDA map (by ZIP code, via PRISM). For the 586 of its 586 ZIP codes where frost comes in most years, the nearest NOAA station’s median last spring frost (32°F, 1991–2020) is Apr 27 (middle 80% of ZIP codes: Apr 19 – May 7) and the median first fall frost is Oct 11 (Oct 2 – Oct 18). Use this guide to time seed-starting, transplanting and fall planting.
Where these dates come from: every date range is counted from the median (50% probability) 32°F last spring and first fall frost dates in NOAA’s 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals for the area shown. The rule under each date, such as “4–6 weeks before last frost,” shows how it was counted. These are averages: in about half of years a frost still comes after the spring date, and elevation, nearby water and microclimate can shift your yard by a week or more. For dates for your exact location, enter your ZIP code in the planner.
How we count planting dates: the weeks before or after frost for each crop come from university extension planting guides: UNH Extension, When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden; Rutgers FS787, Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors; Virginia Tech 426-331, Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide; University of Maryland Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar; and University of Idaho CIS 1209 (marigolds and zinnias). Bulb windows approximate Rutgers’ rule to plant when soil falls below 60°F (FS1220), and garlic follows SDSU, Illinois and Virginia Tech. Temperature notes: UMD (potatoes), UMN (sweet corn), UC ANR (peppers, hardening off), UMN (eggplant), Colorado State (tomatoes) and SDSU (hardening off).
Nebraska frost dates by zone area
| Zone areas | Most common nearest NOAA stations | Median last spring frost (32°F) | Median first fall frost (32°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5 (393 ZIP codes) | Kearney 4 Ne, NE, David City, NE, Fremont, NE | Apr 30middle 80%: Apr 23 – May 10 | Oct 8middle 80%: Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Zone 6 (189 ZIP codes) | Lincoln 8 Ene, NE, Omaha Eppley Airfield, NE, Hebron, NE | Apr 23middle 80%: Apr 18 – Apr 29 | Oct 15middle 80%: Oct 10 – Oct 20 |
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, annual/seasonal freeze-date probabilities (32°F, 50% probability). Station-level medians; your yard may differ.
How this table is built: each Nebraska ZIP code is matched to its nearest NOAA 1991–2020 freeze-data station (within 60 miles) and grouped by its 2023 USDA hardiness zone; dates are medians across the ZIP codes in each group. Some nearest stations are across the state line (Bonesteel, SD, Julesburg, CO, Oberlin, KS, Onawa 3Nw, IA, Pickstown 4Ssw, SD, Pine Bluffs 1Ese, WY…). For your own ZIP, use the planner.
Nebraska vegetable planting calendar
Planting dates for each zone area of Nebraska, counted from that area’s median frost dates (shown under each column). Rows run in calendar order. For your exact dates, enter your ZIP.
| Plant, task and rule | Zone 5 areasLast frost Apr 30 · First frost Oct 8 | Zone 6 areasLast frost Apr 23 · First frost Oct 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli · Start indoors8–10 weeks before last frost | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Cabbage · Start indoors8–10 weeks before last frost | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Kale · Start indoors8–10 weeks before last frost | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Tomatoes · Start indoors6–8 weeks before last frost | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Peppers · Start indoors6–8 weeks before last frost | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Eggplant · Start indoors6–8 weeks before last frost | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Peas · Direct sow4–6 weeks before last frost | Mar 19 – Apr 2Harvest (est.) May 18 – Jun 21 | Mar 12 – Mar 26Harvest (est.) May 11 – Jun 14 |
| Spinach · Direct sow4–6 weeks before last frost | Mar 19 – Apr 2Harvest (est.) May 3 – Jun 1 | Mar 12 – Mar 26Harvest (est.) Apr 26 – May 25 |
| Basil · Start indoors4–6 weeks before last frost | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Radishes · Direct sow2–5 weeks before last frost | Mar 26 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) Apr 15 – May 16 | Mar 19 – Apr 9Harvest (est.) Apr 8 – May 9 |
| Lettuce · Direct sow2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 2 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) Jun 1 – Jul 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9Harvest (est.) May 25 – Jun 28 |
| Onions (sets/transplants) · Plant sets/transplants2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 2 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) Jun 26 – Aug 14 | Mar 26 – Apr 9Harvest (est.) Jun 19 – Aug 7 |
| Broccoli · Transplant2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 2 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) May 22 – Jun 25 | Mar 26 – Apr 9Harvest (est.) May 15 – Jun 18 |
| Cabbage · Transplant2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 2 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) Jun 11 – Jul 15 | Mar 26 – Apr 9Harvest (est.) Jun 4 – Jul 8 |
| Kale · Transplant2–4 weeks before last frost | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Marigolds · Start indoors0–3 weeks before last frost (3–4 weeks before setting out; Univ. of Idaho) | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Zinnias · Start indoors0–3 weeks before last frost (3–4 weeks before setting out; Univ. of Idaho) | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Potatoes · Plant seed potatoes1–2 weeks before last frost | Apr 16 – Apr 23Harvest (est.) Jul 10 – Aug 11 | Apr 9 – Apr 16Harvest (est.) Jul 3 – Aug 4 |
| Marigolds · Direct sow / transplantfrom the last frost to 2 weeks after (Univ. of Idaho) | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Zinnias · Direct sow / transplantfrom the last frost to 2 weeks after (Univ. of Idaho) | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Tomatoes · Transplant1–2 weeks after last frost | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jul 16 – Aug 12 | Apr 30 – May 7Harvest (est.) Jul 9 – Aug 5 |
| Beans (bush & pole) · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jun 21 – Jul 23 | Apr 30 – May 7Harvest (est.) Jun 14 – Jul 16 |
| Sweet corn · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jul 11 – Aug 12 | Apr 30 – May 7Harvest (est.) Jul 4 – Aug 5 |
| Cucumbers · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jun 16 – Jul 18 | Apr 30 – May 7Harvest (est.) Jun 9 – Jul 11 |
| Squash · Direct sow1–2 weeks after last frost | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jun 16 – Jul 3 | Apr 30 – May 7Harvest (est.) Jun 9 – Jun 26 |
| Pumpkins · Direct sow1–3 weeks after last frost | May 7 – May 21Harvest (est.) Jul 26 – Aug 29 | Apr 30 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jul 19 – Aug 22 |
| Basil · Transplant1–2 weeks after last frost | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jun 18 – Jun 25 | Apr 30 – May 7Harvest (est.) Jun 11 – Jun 18 |
| Peppers · Transplant2–3 weeks after last frost | May 14 – May 21Harvest (est.) Jul 18 – Aug 4 | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jul 11 – Jul 28 |
| Eggplant · Transplant2–3 weeks after last frost | May 14 – May 21Harvest (est.) Jul 23 – Aug 19 | May 7 – May 14Harvest (est.) Jul 16 – Aug 12 |
| Broccoli · Fall transplant10–12 weeks before first fall frost | Jul 16 – Jul 30Harvest (est.) Sep 4 – Oct 8 | Jul 23 – Aug 6Harvest (est.) Sep 11 – Oct 15 |
| Cabbage · Fall transplant10–12 weeks before first fall frost | Jul 16 – Jul 30Harvest (est.) Sep 24 – Oct 28 | Jul 23 – Aug 6Harvest (est.) Oct 1 – Nov 4 |
| Kale · Fall sow8–10 weeks before first fall frost | Jul 30 – Aug 13Harvest (est.) Sep 18 – Oct 22 | Aug 6 – Aug 20Harvest (est.) Sep 25 – Oct 29 |
| Lettuce · Fall sow6–8 weeks before first fall frost | Aug 13 – Aug 27Harvest (est.) Oct 12 – Nov 15 | Aug 20 – Sep 3Harvest (est.) Oct 19 – Nov 22 |
| Spinach · Fall sow4–7 weeks before first fall frost (Virginia Tech) | Aug 20 – Sep 10Harvest (est.) Oct 4 – Nov 9 | Aug 27 – Sep 17Harvest (est.) Oct 11 – Nov 16 |
| Radishes · Fall sow4–6 weeks before first fall frost | Aug 27 – Sep 10Harvest (est.) Sep 16 – Oct 10 | Sep 3 – Sep 17Harvest (est.) Sep 23 – Oct 17 |
| Daffodils · Fall plant bulbs4 weeks before to 2 weeks after first fall frost (our approximation of when soil falls below 60°F; Rutgers) | Sep 10 – Oct 22 | Sep 17 – Oct 29 |
| Tulips · Fall plant bulbs2 weeks before to 4 weeks after first fall frost (our approximation of when soil falls below 60°F; Rutgers) | Sep 24 – Nov 5 | Oct 1 – Nov 12 |
| Garlic · Fall plant cloves2 weeks before to 3 weeks after first fall frost, while the soil is still workable (SDSU, Illinois, Virginia Tech) | Sep 24 – Oct 29Harvest (est.) Jun 1, 2027 – Jul 26, 2027 | Oct 1 – Nov 5Harvest (est.) Jun 8, 2027 – Aug 2, 2027 |
About the harvest estimates
Each expected harvest window adds the days to harvest from the sources below to the planting window. Days count from sowing seed (or planting seed potatoes, onion sets or garlic cloves) or, where marked, from setting transplants out; “Start indoors” rows have no harvest of their own. Harvest timing varies with variety and weather, and many crops keep producing for weeks after the first picking. For frost-tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, basil) the window stops at the first fall frost: harvest may end early at the first fall frost. Flowers and bulbs show no harvest window, and kale has no sourced figure for spring transplants.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP103/VH021), Table 1, “Days to Harvest”; University of Maryland Extension, Growing Onions in a Home Garden; University of Maryland Extension, Growing Garlic in a Home Garden; University of Maryland Extension, Growing Basil in a Home Garden.
Growing notes for each crop
- Peas: Tolerates light frost; sow when soil is workable
- Spinach: Fall crop too: sow 4–7 weeks before first fall frost (Virginia Tech)
- Lettuce: Bolts in heat; succession sow; fall crop too
- Radishes: Fast (3–4 weeks); sow again for fall (see Fall sow dates)
- Kale: Fall crop too (see Fall sow dates); frost sweetens leaves
- Onions (sets/transplants): Choose day-length type suited to your latitude
- Potatoes: Soil at least 45°F (UMD); hill as plants grow
- Broccoli: Cool-season; harden off; good fall crop
- Cabbage: Cool-season; harden off; good fall crop
- Tomatoes: Wait for nights reliably above about 52°F (Colorado State)
- Peppers: Need warm soil: about 65°F is optimal for transplanting (UC ANR)
- Eggplant: Transplant after nights stay above 50°F (UMN)
- Beans (bush & pole): Seeds rot in cold, wet soil
- Sweet corn: Soil 60°F+ (UNH, UMN); plant in blocks for pollination
- Cucumbers: Frost-tender; watch for cucumber beetles
- Squash: Frost-tender; watch for squash vine borer
- Pumpkins: For October pumpkins, many sow in late May–June
- Basil: Very cold-sensitive
- Marigolds: Easy warm-season annual
- Zinnias: Easy warm-season annual
- Tulips: Our frost-date window is an approximation of that soil rule. In zone 9, chill bulbs 12–16 weeks first (Clemson)
- Daffodils: Our frost-date window is an approximation of that soil rule; slightly earlier than tulips is fine
- Garlic: Harvest the following early summer
Nebraska USDA zone guides: Zone 5 planting guide Zone 6 planting guide
How we count planting dates: the weeks before or after frost for each crop come from university extension planting guides: UNH Extension, When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden; Rutgers FS787, Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors; Virginia Tech 426-331, Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide; University of Maryland Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar; and University of Idaho CIS 1209 (marigolds and zinnias). Bulb windows approximate Rutgers’ rule to plant when soil falls below 60°F (FS1220), and garlic follows SDSU, Illinois and Virginia Tech. Temperature notes: UMD (potatoes), UMN (sweet corn), UC ANR (peppers, hardening off), UMN (eggplant), Colorado State (tomatoes) and SDSU (hardening off).
Tips for Nebraska gardeners
- Watch soil temperature, not just the calendar — warm-season crops stall in cold soil. An inexpensive soil thermometer helps.
- Harden off transplants over 7–10 days before planting out (UC ANR, SDSU).
- Ask your local Cooperative Extension office about varieties and timing for your county; find it in the USDA NIFA land-grant university directory.
- Keep weeds down early — see our weed identification guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Nebraska?
Across the 586 Nebraska ZIP codes where frost comes in most years, the median last spring frost (32°F, NOAA 1991–2020) at the nearest station is Apr 27, and the middle 80% of ZIP codes range from Apr 19 to May 7. Check the average for your ZIP code, and remember frost can occur after the average date.
When can I plant tomatoes in Nebraska?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after your average last frost, once nights stay above about 52°F (Colorado State). Typical dates: Zone 5 areas: May 7 – May 14; Zone 6 areas: Apr 30 – May 7.
What USDA zone is Nebraska?
Nebraska spans roughly USDA hardiness zones 5a–6a on the 2023 USDA map (by ZIP code, via PRISM). Hardiness zones describe winter low temperatures, not frost dates.
Other state planting calendars
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