When to Plant Shallot in Valley 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.
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 982 feet, Valley County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Valley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Valley County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Shallot prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Valley County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Shallot will thrive.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Shallot Planting Timeline — Valley County, NE
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Sep 26 |
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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Valley County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Valley County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after May 09 in Valley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Valley County receives only 22" of rain annually. Shallot needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Valley County, NE?
Valley County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valley County, NE?
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Valley 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.