When to plant in Lincoln, NE
USDA Zone 6aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Lincoln, Nebraska — all computed from Lincoln's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 6a, Lincoln gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
LINCOLN MUNI AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Lincoln’s own odds, recorded at LINCOLN MUNI AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 2 | Apr 20 | Sep 21 | Oct 4 | Oct 16 |
| 32°F | May 7 | Apr 24 | Apr 10 | Sep 29 | Oct 13 | Oct 24 |
| 28°F | Apr 29 | Apr 15 | Apr 2 | Oct 8 | Oct 22 | Nov 2 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Lincoln, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 17 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Lincoln planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Lincoln, NE?
Lincoln's average last spring frost falls near April 24 — the 50% mark at 32°F in the 1991–2020 normals. Hold tender transplants until the risk has passed, then plant out.
When is the first fall frost in Lincoln, NE?
The first fall frost in Lincoln typically arrives around October 13 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Lincoln in?
Lincoln is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. In zone 6a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Lincoln?
Lincoln has about 172 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 24) and first fall frost (October 13).
When should I plant tomatoes in Lincoln?
For Lincoln, sow tomatoes indoors about February 27–March 13 and move the seedlings out around May 1, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Lincoln
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Lincoln’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reachFrost dates recorded at LINCOLN MUNI AP, 8 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Lincoln, NE — Frost Dates & Zone 6a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00014939. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/nebraska/lincoln.