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Lincoln, NE Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Lincoln usually comes around Apr 20 and the first fall frost around Oct 15, a growing season of about 178 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23 and plant them outside May 4 – May 18.

Last spring frostApr 20
First fall frostOct 15
Growing season178 days

When to plant vegetables in Lincoln

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 9 – Mar 23May 4 – May 18—
PeppersMar 2 – Mar 16May 11 – May 25—
EggplantMar 2 – Mar 16May 11 – May 25—
Cucumbers—May 4 – May 18—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 4 – May 18—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 11 – May 25—
Green beans—May 4 – May 18Jul 23 – Aug 6
Sweet corn—May 4 – May 18—
BasilMar 23 – Apr 6May 4 – May 18—
LettuceFeb 23 – Mar 9Mar 23 – May 4Aug 20 – Sep 3
Spinach—Mar 9 – Mar 30Aug 20 – Sep 3
Peas—Mar 9 – Mar 30Aug 6 – Aug 20
Carrots—Mar 23 – Apr 27Jul 23 – Aug 6
Radishes—Mar 16 – May 4Sep 3 – Sep 17
BroccoliFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 23 – Apr 6Jul 23 – Aug 6
KaleFeb 23 – Mar 9Mar 16 – Mar 30Aug 6 – Aug 20
Onions—Mar 23 – Apr 6—
Potatoes—Mar 30 – Apr 27—
Garlic——Oct 1 – Nov 5

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Lincoln. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Lincoln

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lincoln?

The median last spring frost is Apr 20 and the median first fall frost is Oct 15, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Lincoln?

Start seeds indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23 and set plants outside May 4 – May 18, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Lincoln?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 15): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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