When to Plant Carrots in Dawson County, NE
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Dawson County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 790 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.
Dawson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Dawson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Dawson County, NE
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Dawson County
Growing Tips for Dawson County
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Dawson County, NE?
Dawson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawson County, NE?
Dawson County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dawson County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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