When to Plant Shallot in Hooker County, NE
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Hooker County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 737 feet, Hooker County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Hooker County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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
Shallot Planting Timeline — Hooker County, NE
Shallot 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 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
144 days
Growing Tips for Hooker County
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Hooker County, NE?
Hooker County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hooker County, NE?
Hooker County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hooker County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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