When to Plant Shallot in Thomas 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.
Thomas County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 1,062 feet, Thomas County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Thomas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.4
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Shallot Planting Timeline — Thomas County, NE
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
148 days
Growing Tips for Thomas 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 Thomas County, NE?
Thomas County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Thomas County, NE?
Thomas County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Thomas County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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