Nebraska Planting Guide & Growing Season
Nebraska is in USDA hardiness zone 4a-5b with a growing season of 160 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 30 and the average first fall frost is Oct 5.
Growing Conditions in Nebraska
How Nebraska Compares
Compare Nebraska's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska (NE) | 4a-5b | Apr 30 | Oct 5 | 160 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Nebraska
When should I start seeds indoors in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, the average last frost date is Apr 30. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Nebraska is 4a-5b, with a growing season of approximately 160 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Nebraska?
Nebraska falls in USDA hardiness zones 4a-5b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Nebraska?
The average first frost date in Nebraska is Oct 5. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Nebraska?
Nebraska has an average growing season of 160 days, from the last frost (Apr 30) to first frost (Oct 5). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.