When to Plant Broccoli in Grant County, NE
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Grant County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 689 feet, Grant County receives approximately 24.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Grant County, NE
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
145 days
Growing Tips for Grant County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Grant County, NE?
Grant County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, NE?
Grant County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Grant County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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