Frost Dates for Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Last spring frost May 22 · First fall frost September 18 · 119 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
ZIP 69361 has about 17,200 people.
Short season: 119 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 6–June 8 (33 days). Fall frost risk spans September 8–September 28 (20 days).
Frost probability for 69361
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 8 | May 22 | May 6 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 8 | September 18 | September 28 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at HARRISBURG 12WNW (53.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 119-day season in Scottsbluff
In Scottsbluff (119 frost-free days, a short season), 33 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 7 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 17 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 77 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 10 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 77 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 77 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 154 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 28 |
| Carrots | — | May 1–May 8 | 161 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 161 available after May 1. | Jul 17 |
| Cucumber | May 1 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 91 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 5. | Jun 22 |
| Beans | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 105 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 105 available after May 29. | Jun 29 |
| Peas | — | Mar 27–Jun 5 | 182 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 182 available after Mar 27. | Jul 8 |
| Zucchini | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 91 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 5. | Jun 27 |
| Onion | Feb 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 154 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 27–May 15 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 16 |
| Kale | Mar 13 | Apr 24–May 8 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 1 |
| Broccoli | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 154 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 24. | Jun 23 |
| Cabbage | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 168 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 24. | Jul 17 |
| Radish | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Sep 25. | Aug 17 |
| Beets | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 18 |
| Potatoes | — | May 8–May 15 | 140 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 140 available after May 8. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 18 | 224 | overwinter: Plant Sep 18 to Oct 9; harvest the following summer. | Oct 9 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 17–Jun 12 | 175 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 17; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 24 | May 29–Jun 5 | 91 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 91 available after May 29. | May 31 |
| Pumpkin | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 5 | 84 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 16 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 10 | May 15–May 29 | 133 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 133 available after May 15. | Jun 28 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 27 | May 8–May 8 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 18 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 16 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 168 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 24. | Jun 17 |
| Butternut Squash | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 84 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 16 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 77 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 77 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Okra | Apr 24 | May 29–Jun 5 | 98 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 98 available after May 29. | Jun 27 |
| Basil | Apr 17 | Jun 12–Jun 12 | 84 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 84 available after Jun 12. | Jun 22 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 24–May 15 | 154 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 23 |
| Parsley | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | 119 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 119 available after May 29. | Jul 3 |
| Celery | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 12 | 119 | head-start: Even planted out May 29, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 13 | Apr 24–May 8 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 9. | Jul 27 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 6 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 1 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 24 | May 15–May 22 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 28 |
| Collards | Mar 13 | Apr 24–May 8 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 9. | Jul 27 |
| Cantaloupe | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 77 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Feb 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 133 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 133 available after May 29. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 18 |
| Oregano | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | 133 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 133 available after May 29. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 119 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 119 available after May 29. | — |
| Sage | Mar 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 133 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 133 available after May 29. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | 133 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 133 available after May 29. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 10 | May 8–May 22 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 23 |
| Cosmos | Apr 24 | May 22–Jun 5 | 105 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 105 available after May 22. | Jun 22 |
| Lavender | Feb 27 | May 22–Jun 5 | 140 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 140 available after May 22. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 10 | May 22–May 29 | 105 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 105 available after May 22. | Jul 2 |
| Melons | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 77 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 22–Jun 5 | 140 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 140 available after May 22. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 24 | May 22–May 29 | 105 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 105 available after May 22. | Jun 27 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 98 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 98 available after May 29. | Jun 17 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 84 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 22–Jun 5 | 105 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 105 available after May 22. | Jun 12 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 84 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 84 available after May 29. | — |
| Watermelon | May 8 | May 29–Jun 5 | 84 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 84 available after May 29. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 91 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 91 available after Jun 5. | Jun 27 |
| Zinnias | Apr 24 | May 22–Jun 5 | 105 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 105 available after May 22. | Jun 22 |
Month by month in Scottsbluff
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 27), Lavender (Feb 27), Onion (Feb 27), Rosemary (Feb 27). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 13), Collards (Mar 13), Kale (Mar 13), Oregano (Mar 13), Parsley (Mar 13), Scallions (Mar 13), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 27), Beets (Mar 27), Dill (Mar 27), Peas (Mar 27), Radish (Mar 27), Spinach (Mar 27). |
| April | Start indoors: Eggplant (Apr 3), Calendula (Apr 10), Cauliflower (Apr 10), Marigolds (Apr 10), Pepper (Apr 10), Basil (Apr 17), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 10), Cilantro (Apr 24), Turnip (Apr 24). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 24), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 24), Cabbage (Apr 24), Collards (Apr 24), Kale (Apr 24), Lettuce (Apr 24), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 17). |
| May | Start indoors: Cucumber (May 1), Butternut Squash (May 8), Cantaloupe (May 8), Melons (May 8), Pumpkin (May 8), Spaghetti Squash (May 8), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (May 1), Potatoes (May 8), Sunflowers (May 22), Beans (May 29), Pole Beans (May 29). Transplant from: Calendula (May 8), Swiss Chard (May 8), Bok Choy (May 15), Cauliflower (May 15), Cosmos (May 22), Lavender (May 22), +15 more. Last frost around May 22. Last sowing dates: Corn (May 31). |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 5), Cantaloupe (Jun 5), Cucumber (Jun 5), Eggplant (Jun 5), Melons (Jun 5), Pepper (Jun 5), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jun 12), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 17), Pole Beans (Jun 17), Basil (Jun 22), Cosmos (Jun 22), Cucumber (Jun 22), +8 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Jul 2), Parsley (Jul 3), Peas (Jul 8), Cabbage (Jul 17), Carrots (Jul 17), Beets (Jul 18), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Kale (Aug 1), Kohlrabi (Aug 1), Turnip (Aug 6), Arugula (Aug 16), Spinach (Aug 16), Radish (Aug 17). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 18). First frost around September 18. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 9). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| 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 Scottsbluff, NE (ZIP 69361)?
The median last spring frost date for Scottsbluff, NE (ZIP code 69361) is around May 22. 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 May 6; one in ten it runs past June 8.
What is the first fall frost date in Scottsbluff, NE?
The median first fall frost date for Scottsbluff, NE is around September 18. 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 8 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Scottsbluff, NE?
The frost-free growing season in Scottsbluff is about 119 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 Scottsbluff (119 frost-free days, a short season), 33 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 7 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Scottsbluff, NE?
Scottsbluff, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 5a (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 Scottsbluff, NE?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 17 and plant out Jun 5 in Scottsbluff. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Scottsbluff?
Two: plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 25.
When do I plant garlic in Scottsbluff?
Sep 18 to Oct 9; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Scottsbluff?
Yes, with help. Even planted out May 29, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Gering (ZIP 69341) has 139 frost-free days, 20 more than Scottsbluff (ZIP 69361). See Gering ZIP 69341 frost dates
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