Blog

When to Plant Gooseberries in Keya Paha County, NE

Gooseberries are thorny shrubs producing tart, grape-sized berries excellent for pies, jams, and preserves. They thrive in cooler climates and tolerate partial shade.

Keya Paha County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.

At an elevation of 1,079 feet, Keya Paha County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Gooseberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Keya Paha County, NE (Zone 4b) Moderate season
152 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
152 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Keya Paha County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 16

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 164 gal / 100 sq ft
Gooseberries needs ~11,178 GDD — county provides 1,862 GDD May not mature

Gooseberries Planting Timeline โ€” Keya Paha County, NE

Gooseberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Jun 21

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 4b

Growing Season

152 days

Growing Tips for Keya Paha County

Plant in a location with afternoon shade in hot climates. Prune to an open goblet shape for air circulation. Mulch heavily and avoid cultivation near shallow roots.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Gooseberries in Keya Paha County, NE?

Keya Paha County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Gooseberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Keya Paha County, NE?

Keya Paha County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Keya Paha County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Keya Paha County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.