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North Platte, NE Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in North Platte usually comes around May 7 and the first fall frost around Oct 10, a growing season of about 156 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 26 – Apr 9 and plant them outside May 21 – Jun 4.

Last spring frostMay 7
First fall frostOct 10
Growing season156 days

When to plant vegetables in North Platte

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 26 – Apr 9May 21 – Jun 4—
PeppersMar 19 – Apr 2May 28 – Jun 11—
EggplantMar 19 – Apr 2May 28 – Jun 11—
Cucumbers—May 21 – Jun 4—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 21 – Jun 4—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 28 – Jun 11—
Green beans—May 21 – Jun 4Jul 18 – Aug 1
Sweet corn—May 21 – Jun 4—
BasilApr 9 – Apr 23May 21 – Jun 4—
LettuceMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 9 – May 21Aug 15 – Aug 29
Spinach—Mar 26 – Apr 16Aug 15 – Aug 29
Peas—Mar 26 – Apr 16Aug 1 – Aug 15
Carrots—Apr 9 – May 14Jul 18 – Aug 1
Radishes—Apr 2 – May 21Aug 29 – Sep 12
BroccoliFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 9 – Apr 23Jul 18 – Aug 1
KaleMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 2 – Apr 16Aug 1 – Aug 15
Onions—Apr 9 – Apr 23—
Potatoes—Apr 16 – May 14—
Garlic——Sep 26 – Oct 31

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

Month-by-month planting in North Platte

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

The median last spring frost is May 7 and the median first fall frost is Oct 10, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in North Platte?

Start seeds indoors Mar 26 – Apr 9 and set plants outside May 21 – Jun 4, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in North Platte?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 10): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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