Frost Dates for Gretna, NE 68028
Last spring frost April 27 · First fall frost October 5 · 161 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 68028 has about 17,500 people.
Moderate season: 161 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 12–May 12 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 20–October 20 (30 days).
Frost probability for 68028
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 12 | April 27 | April 12 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 20 | October 5 | October 20 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at WEEPING WATER (28.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 161-day season in Gretna
In Gretna (161 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 23 | May 11–May 18 | 119 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 119 available after May 11. | Jun 5 |
| Pepper | Mar 16 | May 11–May 18 | 119 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 119 available after May 11. | Jun 10 |
| Lettuce | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 14 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 203 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 6. | Aug 3 |
| Cucumber | Apr 6 | May 11–May 18 | 133 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 133 available after May 11. | Jul 9 |
| Beans | — | May 4–May 18 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Peas | — | Mar 2–May 11 | 224 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 2. | Jul 25 |
| Zucchini | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 14 |
| Onion | Feb 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 196 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 196 available after Mar 30. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 2–Apr 20 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 26. | Sep 2 |
| Kale | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Broccoli | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 196 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 196 available after Mar 30. | Jul 10 |
| Cabbage | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 210 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 30. | Aug 3 |
| Radish | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 12. | Sep 3 |
| Beets | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 182 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 5 | 266 | overwinter: Plant Oct 5 to Oct 26; harvest the following summer. | Oct 26 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 23–May 18 | 217 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 23; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 30 | May 4–May 11 | 133 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 133 available after May 4. | Jun 17 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 13 | May 11–May 11 | 126 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 126 available after May 11. | May 23 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 16 | Apr 20–May 4 | 175 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 20. | Jul 15 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 2 | Apr 13–Apr 13 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 26. | Sep 2 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 210 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 30. | Jul 4 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 126 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 126 available after May 11. | May 23 |
| Eggplant | Mar 9 | May 11–May 18 | 119 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 119 available after May 11. | Jun 15 |
| Okra | Mar 30 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 14 |
| Basil | Mar 23 | May 18–May 18 | 126 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 126 available after May 18. | Jul 9 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 30–Apr 20 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 9 |
| Parsley | Feb 16 | May 4–May 11 | 161 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 161 available after May 4. | Jul 20 |
| Celery | Feb 16 | May 4–May 18 | 161 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 161 available after May 4. | May 31 |
| Scallions | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 13 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 23 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 30 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 175 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 14 |
| Collards | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 13 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 119 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 119 available after May 11. | May 31 |
| Chives | Feb 2 | May 4–May 11 | 175 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 175 available after May 4. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Oregano | Feb 16 | May 4–May 11 | 175 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 175 available after May 4. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 2 | May 4–May 11 | 161 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 161 available after May 4. | — |
| Sage | Mar 2 | May 4–May 11 | 175 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 175 available after May 4. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 16 | May 4–May 11 | 175 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 175 available after May 4. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 9 |
| Cosmos | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 11 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 9; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 9 |
| Lavender | Feb 2 | Apr 27–May 11 | 182 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 16 | Apr 27–May 4 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 19 |
| Melons | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 119 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 119 available after May 11. | May 31 |
| Mint | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 182 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 14 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 4–May 18 | 140 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | Jul 4 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 126 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 126 available after May 11. | Jun 2 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 147 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 147 available after Apr 27. | Jun 29 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 2 | May 4–May 11 | 126 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 126 available after May 4. | Jun 10 |
| Watermelon | Apr 13 | May 4–May 11 | 126 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 126 available after May 4. | Jun 5 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 14 |
| Zinnias | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 11 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 9; both mature before Sep 21. | Jul 9 |
Month by month in Gretna
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 2), Lavender (Feb 2), Onion (Feb 2), Rosemary (Feb 2), Celery (Feb 16), Collards (Feb 16), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 2), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 2), Cabbage (Mar 2), Lettuce (Mar 2), Sage (Mar 2), Swiss Chard (Mar 2), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 2), Beets (Mar 2), Dill (Mar 2), Peas (Mar 2), Radish (Mar 2), Spinach (Mar 2), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 30), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 30), Cabbage (Mar 30), Collards (Mar 30), Kale (Mar 30), Lettuce (Mar 30), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 23). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 6), Butternut Squash (Apr 13), Cantaloupe (Apr 13), Melons (Apr 13), Pumpkin (Apr 13), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 13), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 6), Potatoes (Apr 13), Sunflowers (Apr 27). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 13), Swiss Chard (Apr 13), Bok Choy (Apr 20), Cauliflower (Apr 20), Cosmos (Apr 27), Lavender (Apr 27), +4 more. Last frost around April 27. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 4), Pole Beans (May 4). Transplant from: Celery (May 4), Chives (May 4), Corn (May 4), Okra (May 4), Oregano (May 4), Parsley (May 4), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 23), Pumpkin (May 23), Cantaloupe (May 31), Celery (May 31), Melons (May 31). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Spaghetti Squash (Jun 2), Tomato (Jun 5), Watermelon (Jun 5), Pepper (Jun 10), Tomatillos (Jun 10), Eggplant (Jun 15), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 4), Pole Beans (Jul 4), Basil (Jul 9), Cosmos (Jul 9), Cucumber (Jul 9), Zinnias (Jul 9), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 3), Carrots (Aug 3), Beets (Aug 4), Dill (Aug 4), Swiss Chard (Aug 4), Calendula (Aug 9), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 2), Spinach (Sep 2), Radish (Sep 3). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 5). First frost around October 5. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 26). |
| 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 Gretna, NE (ZIP 68028)?
The median last spring frost date for Gretna, NE (ZIP code 68028) is around April 27. 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 12; one in ten it runs past May 12.
What is the first fall frost date in Gretna, NE?
The median first fall frost date for Gretna, NE is around October 5. 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 20 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Gretna, NE?
The frost-free growing season in Gretna is about 161 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 Gretna (161 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Gretna, NE?
Gretna, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (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 Gretna, NE?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 23 and plant out May 11 in Gretna. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Gretna?
Two: plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 12.
When do I plant garlic in Gretna?
Oct 5 to Oct 26; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Omaha (ZIP 68116) has 168 frost-free days, 7 more than Gretna (ZIP 68028). See Omaha ZIP 68116 frost dates
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