Frost Dates for Elkhorn, NE 68022
Last spring frost April 24 · First fall frost October 7 · 166 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 68022 has about 36,500 people.
Moderate season: 166 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 9–May 9 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 21–October 22 (31 days).
Frost probability for 68022
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 9 | April 24 | April 9 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 21 | October 7 | October 22 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at FREMONT (25.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 166-day season in Elkhorn
In Elkhorn (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 20 | May 8–May 15 | 124 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 124 available after May 8. | Jun 7 |
| Pepper | Mar 13 | May 8–May 15 | 124 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 124 available after May 8. | Jun 12 |
| Lettuce | Feb 27 | Mar 27–Apr 3 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 16 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 208 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 3. | Aug 5 |
| Cucumber | Apr 3 | May 8–May 15 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 11; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 11 |
| Beans | — | May 1–May 15 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Peas | — | Feb 27–May 8 | 229 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 229 available after Feb 27. | Jul 27 |
| Zucchini | Apr 10 | May 8–May 15 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 16 |
| Onion | Jan 30 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 201 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 201 available after Mar 27. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 27–Apr 17 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Oct 28. | Sep 4 |
| Kale | Feb 13 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Broccoli | Feb 27 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 201 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 201 available after Mar 27. | Jul 12 |
| Cabbage | Feb 27 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 215 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 215 available after Mar 27. | Aug 5 |
| Radish | — | Feb 27–May 22 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Oct 14. | Sep 5 |
| Beets | — | Feb 27–May 22 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 7 | 271 | overwinter: Plant Oct 7 to Oct 28; harvest the following summer. | Oct 28 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 20–May 15 | 222 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 20; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 27 | May 1–May 8 | 138 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 138 available after May 1. | Jun 19 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 10 | May 8–May 8 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 8. | May 25 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 13 | Apr 17–May 1 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 17. | Jul 17 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 27 | Apr 10–Apr 10 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 27–May 22 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Oct 28. | Sep 4 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 27 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 215 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 215 available after Mar 27. | Jul 6 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 10 | May 8–May 15 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 8. | May 25 |
| Eggplant | Mar 6 | May 8–May 15 | 124 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 124 available after May 8. | Jun 17 |
| Okra | Mar 27 | May 1–May 8 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 16 |
| Basil | Mar 20 | May 15–May 15 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 15. | Jul 11 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 27–Apr 17 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 11 |
| Parsley | Feb 13 | May 1–May 8 | 166 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 166 available after May 1. | Jul 22 |
| Celery | Feb 13 | May 1–May 15 | 166 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 166 available after May 1. | Jun 2 |
| Scallions | Feb 13 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 15 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 25 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 16 |
| Collards | Feb 13 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 15 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 10 | May 8–May 15 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 8. | Jun 2 |
| Chives | Jan 30 | May 1–May 8 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after May 1. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 27–May 22 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Oregano | Feb 13 | May 1–May 8 | 180 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 180 available after May 1. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 30 | May 1–May 8 | 166 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 166 available after May 1. | — |
| Sage | Feb 27 | May 1–May 8 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after May 1. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 13 | May 1–May 8 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after May 1. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 13 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 11 |
| Cosmos | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 11; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 11 |
| Lavender | Jan 30 | Apr 24–May 8 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 13 | Apr 24–May 1 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 21 |
| Melons | Apr 10 | May 8–May 15 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 8. | Jun 2 |
| Mint | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 16 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 1–May 15 | 145 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 145 available after May 1. | Jul 6 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 10 | May 8–May 15 | 131 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 131 available after May 8. | Jun 4 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 152 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 24. | Jul 1 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 27 | May 1–May 8 | 131 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 131 available after May 1. | Jun 12 |
| Watermelon | Apr 10 | May 1–May 8 | 131 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 131 available after May 1. | Jun 7 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 10 | May 8–May 15 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 16 |
| Zinnias | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 11; both mature before Sep 23. | Jul 11 |
Month by month in Elkhorn
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 30), Lavender (Jan 30), Onion (Jan 30), Rosemary (Jan 30). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 13), Collards (Feb 13), Kale (Feb 13), Oregano (Feb 13), Parsley (Feb 13), Scallions (Feb 13), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 27), Beets (Feb 27), Dill (Feb 27), Peas (Feb 27), Radish (Feb 27), Spinach (Feb 27). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 6), Calendula (Mar 13), Cauliflower (Mar 13), Marigolds (Mar 13), Pepper (Mar 13), Basil (Mar 20), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 13), Cilantro (Mar 27), Turnip (Mar 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 27), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 27), Cabbage (Mar 27), Collards (Mar 27), Kale (Mar 27), Lettuce (Mar 27), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 20). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 3), Butternut Squash (Apr 10), Cantaloupe (Apr 10), Melons (Apr 10), Pumpkin (Apr 10), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 10), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 3), Potatoes (Apr 10), Sunflowers (Apr 24). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 10), Swiss Chard (Apr 10), Bok Choy (Apr 17), Cauliflower (Apr 17), Cosmos (Apr 24), Lavender (Apr 24), +4 more. Last frost around April 24. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 1), Pole Beans (May 1). Transplant from: Celery (May 1), Chives (May 1), Corn (May 1), Okra (May 1), Oregano (May 1), Parsley (May 1), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 25), Pumpkin (May 25). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 2), Celery (Jun 2), Melons (Jun 2), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 4), Tomato (Jun 7), Watermelon (Jun 7), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 1), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 6), Pole Beans (Jul 6), Basil (Jul 11), Cosmos (Jul 11), Cucumber (Jul 11), +11 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 5), Carrots (Aug 5), Beets (Aug 6), Dill (Aug 6), Swiss Chard (Aug 6), Calendula (Aug 11), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 4), Spinach (Sep 4), Radish (Sep 5). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 7). First frost around October 7. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 28). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Elkhorn, NE (ZIP 68022)?
The median last spring frost date for Elkhorn, NE (ZIP code 68022) is around April 24. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 9; one in ten it runs past May 9.
What is the first fall frost date in Elkhorn, NE?
The median first fall frost date for Elkhorn, NE is around October 7. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 21 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Elkhorn, NE?
The frost-free growing season in Elkhorn is about 166 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Elkhorn (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Elkhorn, NE?
Elkhorn, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Elkhorn, NE?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 20 and plant out May 8 in Elkhorn. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Elkhorn?
Two: plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 14.
When do I plant garlic in Elkhorn?
Oct 7 to Oct 28; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Omaha, NE 68116 (4.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Bennington, NE 68007 (7 mi)
- Frost dates for Omaha, NE 68134 (10.2 mi)
- Frost dates for La Vista, NE 68128 (11.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Gretna, NE 68028 (11.9 mi)
- When to plant in NE
- When to plant Peppers in NE
- When to plant Cucumbers in NE
- When to plant Zucchini in NE
- When to plant Butternut Squash in NE
- When to plant Basil in NE
- When to plant Sweet Corn in NE
- Look up another ZIP