When to plant in Nebraska
Nebraska spans USDA hardiness zones 4b-5b. Average last spring frost: early May. Average first fall frost: early October. This calendar is anchored to UNL Extension's recommendations, with timing adjusted for the dominant climate zone of the state.
Nebraska at a glance
| USDA hardiness zones | 4b-5b |
| Region | Great Plains |
| Average last spring frost | early May |
| Average first fall frost | early October |
| Primary Extension service | UNL Extension |
What grows particularly well in Nebraska
These are the crops, ornamentals, and trees UNL Extension highlights as well-suited to Nebraska's climate:
- corn
- soybean
- sorghum
- tomato
- little bluestem
- blanketflower
Nebraska planting calendar
Dates are approximate and based on the dominant USDA zone for the state. For zone-specific timing, use the zone finder by ZIP code and frost date lookup tools.
Spring planting (after last frost: early May)
Cool-season vegetables (start 2-6 weeks before last frost outdoors): lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, beets, kale, broccoli transplants, cabbage transplants.
Warm-season vegetables (after last frost, soil 60F+): tomato transplants, pepper transplants, beans (direct sow), cucumbers, squash, melons. See the seed starting timeline tool for indoor start dates.
Annual flowers (after last frost): zinnia, marigold, cosmos, sunflower, nasturtium.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Plant in spring after soil thaws but before summer heat. Best window in Nebraska: 4-6 weeks after last frost.
Summer (June - August)
Maintenance season for most Nebraska gardens. Mulch heavily, water deeply (1 inch per week), pinch back mums for fall bloom, hand-pull weeds, harvest summer vegetables. Plant fall vegetable starts indoors by mid-July.
Fall planting (before first frost: early October)
Cool-season vegetables (6-8 weeks before first frost): lettuce, spinach, radish, kale, broccoli, cabbage transplants. Per Penn State Extension, fall vegetable production can equal or exceed spring production with proper timing.
Spring-flowering bulbs: tulip, daffodil, allium, crocus, hyacinth. Plant 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. In Nebraska: typically October-November.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Fall is the best planting season for woody plants in most of Nebraska - cooler temperatures + autumn rains reduce transplant stress. Plant 6+ weeks before first hard freeze.
Garlic: Plant cloves in October-November. Harvest the following July.
Winter (December - February)
Most of Nebraska is in dormancy. Tasks: order seeds, plan next year, dormant prune fruit trees (February), order bare-root plants for spring delivery. Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns.
Common Nebraska challenges
Severe storms and hail; drought; alkaline soil in western half; wind erosion; deer and white-tailed deer pressure. For region-specific guidance, see our Great Plains regional gardening guide.
Where to get Nebraska-specific advice
The most reliable source for local growing advice is your county Extension office. UNL Extension has county offices that provide free soil testing, plant disease diagnosis, and growing recommendations specific to your microclimate.
Visit UNL Extension for the office nearest you.
Related tools and guides
- Find your USDA zone by ZIP code
- Look up your average frost dates
- Seasonal care calendar by zone
- Seed starting timeline calculator
- Great Plains regional gardening guide