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Box Butte County, NE — Planting Guide

Box Butte County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 1,021 ft, Box Butte County receives approximately 27.1 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 80°F with winter lows around 1°F. The predominant soil type is Loam.

🌡️ Zone

5a (-20°F to -15°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

May 11

🍂 First Frost

October 1

📅 Growing Season

143 days

⛰️ Elevation

1,021 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

27.1 in

Box Butte County, NE Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Box Butte County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 5a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 11 First Frost: Oct 1

Soil & Growing Conditions in Box Butte County

Soil Type

Loam

Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.

Watering Needs

With 27.1 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.

Season Tips

143-day frost-free season

Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.

Your Free Printable Garden Planner

Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.

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Recommended for Your Garden

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Digital pH Meter $10-20

Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.

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Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Box Butte County

105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Box Butte County.

Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 17 – Sep 21 80–100
Amaranth Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Aug 24 – Oct 12 90–120
Arugula Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 17 30–50
Asparagus May 25 730–1095
Beets Apr 27 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 20 50–70
Belgian Endive Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 31 – Oct 26 110–150
Bitter Melon Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 27 – Sep 7 60–90
Black Beans May 18 Aug 17 – Oct 5 90–120
Bok Choy Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 27 40–60
Broccoli Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 13 – Aug 24 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 27 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 10 – Oct 5 90–130
Butternut Squash Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 24 – Sep 28 85–110
Cabbage Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 13 – Sep 7 60–100
Calabash Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Aug 17 – Oct 12 80–120
Carrots Apr 27 Jul 23 Jun 29 – Aug 3 60–80
Cauliflower Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Sep 7 55–100
Celeriac Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 24 – Sep 28 100–120
Celery Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 3 – Sep 28 80–120
Celtuce Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 13 – Aug 24 60–90
Chard Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 24 50–60
Chickpeas Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 3 – Sep 14 80–110
Chicory Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 13 – Aug 24 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 3 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Aug 17 – Sep 21 80–100
Collard Greens Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Sep 7 55–75
Corn May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 14 60–100
Cowpeas May 18 Jul 20 – Aug 31 60–90
Cress Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 May 25 – Jun 15 14–21
Crookneck Squash Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Jul 13 – Aug 10 45–60
Crosne Apr 27 Jul 23 Sep 28 – Oct 12 150–200
Cucumber Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Sep 14 50–70
Daikon Apr 27 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 20 50–70
Delicata Squash Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 17 – Sep 21 80–100
Edamame May 18 Aug 3 – Sep 14 75–100
Eggplant Mar 2 May 18 May 25 Aug 3 – Oct 5 65–85
Endive Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 29 – Aug 3 45–65
Escarole Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 3 50–70
Fava Beans Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 27 – Sep 7 75–100
Fennel Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 27 – Sep 7 60–90
Garlic Aug 20 Nov 19 – Feb 4 90–240
Green Beans May 18 Jul 13 – Sep 7 50–65
Horseradish May 25 Sep 28 – Nov 9 120–180
Hot Peppers Mar 2 May 18 May 25 Aug 3 – Nov 9 70–120
Hubbard Squash Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Sep 7 – Oct 12 100–120
Kabocha Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 24 – Sep 21 85–100
Kai Lan Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 29 – Jul 27 45–60
Kale Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 31 50–70
Kidney Beans May 18 Aug 17 – Sep 21 85–110
Kohlrabi Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 29 – Aug 3 45–65
Komatsuna Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Jul 20 35–50
Leeks Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 10 – Oct 26 90–150
Lentils Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 3 – Sep 14 80–110
Lettuce Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 24 30–60
Lima Beans May 18 Jul 20 – Aug 31 60–90
Mache Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 27 40–60
Melon Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 3 – Sep 21 70–100
Microgreens Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 May 18 – Jun 15 7–21
Mitsuba Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jun 29 – Aug 24 50–70
Mizuna Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Jul 13 30–45
Mustard Greens Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 17 30–50
Napa Cabbage Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 10 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Aug 17 55–70
Okra Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Sep 14 50–65
Onion Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 10 – Sep 28 90–120
Pac Choi Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 20 40–55
Parsnip Apr 27 Jul 23 Aug 10 – Sep 21 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Jul 13 – Aug 10 45–60
Peas Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 31 55–70
Peppers Mar 2 May 18 May 25 Jul 27 – Oct 5 60–90
Pole Beans Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Sep 14 55–70
Potatoes Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Aug 3 – Oct 12 70–120
Pumpkin Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 24 – Oct 12 85–120
Purslane Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 27 40–60
Radicchio Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 13 – Aug 17 60–80
Radish Apr 27 Jul 23 May 25 – Jun 15 22–35
Rhubarb Jun 1 365–730
Romanesco Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 27 – Sep 7 75–100
Rutabaga Apr 27 Jul 23 Jul 20 – Aug 24 80–100
Salsify Apr 27 Jul 23 Aug 10 – Sep 21 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 20 – Sep 14 70–110
Scallions Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 3 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 27 – Aug 31 60–80
Shallot Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Aug 10 – Sep 28 90–120
Shiso Mar 23 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Sep 14 50–70
Snap Peas Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Sep 14 55–70
Snow Peas Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Aug 31 50–65
Soybeans May 18 Aug 10 – Oct 5 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 24 – Sep 21 85–100
Spinach Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 17 35–50
Squash (Summer) Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Jul 13 – Sep 14 45–65
Squash (Winter) Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 17 – Oct 12 80–120
Sunchoke May 25 Sep 14 – Nov 9 110–150
Sweet Corn May 18 Jul 20 – Aug 31 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Aug 24 – Oct 12 90–120
Tatsoi Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Jul 20 35–50
Tomatillo Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 27 – Oct 5 60–85
Tomatoes Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 27 – Oct 5 60–85
Turnip Apr 27 Jul 23 Jun 8 – Jul 13 40–60
Watercress Apr 6 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 23 Jun 22 – Jul 27 40–60
Watermelon Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Aug 3 – Sep 21 70–100
Wax Beans May 18 Jul 13 – Sep 7 50–65
Winter Melon Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Aug 24 – Oct 12 90–120
Yard Long Beans Mar 16 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Aug 31 55–80
Zucchini Apr 6 May 18 May 25 Jul 13 – Sep 7 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Box Butte County

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Box Butte County.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries Jun 1 Aug 31 – Nov 16 90–180
Aronia Jun 1 730–1095
Blackberries Jun 1 365–730
Blueberries Jun 1 730–1095
Boysenberries Jun 1 365–730
Cantaloupe Jun 1 Aug 10 – Sep 14 70–90
Che Fruit Jun 1 1095–1825
Cranberries Jun 1 730–1095
Currants Jun 1 730–1095
Elderberries Jun 1 730–1095
Goji Berries Jun 1 730–1095
Gooseberries Jun 1 730–1095
Grapes Jun 1 730–1095
Ground Cherry Jun 1 Aug 10 – Oct 5 65–80
Hardy Kiwi Jun 1 1095–1825
Haskaps Jun 1 730–1095
Honeydew Jun 1 Aug 24 – Oct 5 80–110
Jostaberry Jun 1 730–1095
Lingonberries Jun 1 730–1095
Medlar Jun 1 1095–1825
Mulberries Jun 1 730–1825
Pawpaw Jun 1 1095–2555
Persimmon Jun 1 1095–2555
Quince Jun 1 1095–1825
Raspberries Jun 1 365–730
Serviceberries Jun 1 730–1095
Strawberries Jun 1 Aug 31 – Nov 16 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Box Butte County

34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Box Butte County.

Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 365–730
Anise Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Aug 3 – Oct 19 90–120
Basil Mar 23 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Sep 21 50–75
Bee Balm May 18 Aug 17 – Nov 2 90–120
Borage Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jun 29 – Aug 17 50–60
Caraway Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 365–450
Catnip May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 21 60–80
Chamomile Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Sep 14 60–90
Chervil Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 17 40–60
Chives May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 28 60–90
Cilantro Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 17 40–60
Comfrey May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 28 60–90
Cumin Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Aug 17 – Oct 19 100–120
Dill Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 17 40–60
Epazote Mar 23 May 18 May 25 Jul 13 – Sep 7 45–60
Fennel (herb) Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Sep 14 60–90
Feverfew May 18 Aug 17 – Nov 2 90–120
Garlic Chives May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 28 60–90
Horehound May 18 Aug 3 – Sep 28 75–90
Hyssop May 18 Jul 27 – Sep 28 70–90
Lemon Balm May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 7 60–70
Lemon Thyme May 18 Jul 27 – Sep 28 70–90
Lovage May 18 Jul 27 – Sep 28 70–90
Mint May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 28 60–90
Oregano May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 28 60–90
Parsley Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jul 6 – Sep 7 60–80
Rue May 18 Jul 27 – Sep 28 70–90
Sage May 18 Aug 3 – Sep 28 75–90
Savory May 18 Jul 13 – Sep 7 50–70
Sorrel Apr 6 Apr 27 May 4 Jul 23 Jun 15 – Aug 17 40–60
Tarragon May 18 Jul 20 – Sep 28 60–90
Thai Basil Mar 23 May 18 May 25 Jul 20 – Sep 21 50–75
Thyme May 18 Jul 27 – Sep 28 70–90
Valerian May 18 Sep 21 – Nov 2 120–180

🌸 Flowers to Grow in Box Butte County

51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Box Butte County.

Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Bloom Days to Maturity
Ageratum Mar 23 May 18 May 18 Jul 13 – Oct 5 60–75
Alliums Aug 20 Sep 24 – Oct 22 28–42
Anemones Apr 13 May 11 Jun 22 – Jul 20 90–120
Astilbe Mar 9 May 25 Aug 10 – Oct 12 70–100
Bachelor's Button Mar 30 Apr 20 May 11 Jul 13 – Sep 21 60–90
Begonias Mar 2 May 18 Jul 27 – Oct 19 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Mar 9 May 11 May 25 Aug 10 – Nov 9 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Mar 9 May 25 Jul 20 – Aug 31 60–90
Calendula Mar 30 Apr 20 May 11 Jun 29 – Sep 21 50–70
Celosia Apr 6 May 25 May 25 Jul 27 – Oct 26 60–90
Columbine Mar 9 May 25 May 25 Jul 20 – Aug 31 70–100
Coreopsis Mar 9 May 18 May 25 Aug 3 – Nov 9 60–80
Cosmos Apr 13 May 18 May 18 Jul 27 – Oct 19 60–90
Crocus Aug 20 Jul 2 – Jul 23 10–20
Daffodils Aug 20 Jul 9 – Jul 30 20–40
Dahlias Apr 13 May 18 May 18 Aug 10 – Nov 2 70–120
Daylily Mar 9 May 25 Aug 17 – Nov 9 60–90
Dianthus Mar 9 Apr 13 Apr 27 Jun 15 – Aug 31 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Mar 9 May 25 May 25 Aug 17 – Nov 9 70–90
Foxglove Mar 9 May 25 May 25 Jul 20 – Aug 31 80–120
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Mar 16 May 25 May 25 Aug 3 – Nov 23 70–100
Geraniums Mar 2 May 18 Jul 27 – Oct 19 70–100
Gladiolus May 18 May 18 Aug 10 – Nov 2 70–100
Hostas Mar 2 May 25 Aug 17 – Nov 9 60–90
Hyacinths Aug 20 Jul 30 – Aug 27 14–28
Hydrangeas Mar 2 May 25 Aug 10 – Oct 26 90–150
Impatiens Mar 16 May 18 Jul 27 – Oct 19 60–75
Irises Division May 25 Jul 20 – Aug 24 60–100
Larkspur Apr 13 Jun 22 – Aug 17 60–90
Lavender Mar 2 Jun 1 Aug 10 – Sep 21 90–120
Lilies Division May 25 Aug 3 – Oct 26 70–120
Lobelia Mar 2 May 4 Jun 29 – Sep 7 70–80
Lupine Mar 9 May 25 May 25 Jul 20 – Aug 31 75–100
Marigolds Mar 30 May 18 May 18 Jul 13 – Oct 5 50–70
Nasturtium Apr 13 May 18 May 18 Jul 13 – Oct 19 55–65
Pansy Mar 2 May 11 Jul 6 – Aug 31 70–90
Peonies Division May 25 Aug 3 – Sep 14 90–120
Petunia Mar 16 May 18 Jul 27 – Oct 19 70–90
Phlox Mar 9 May 25 May 25 Aug 10 – Oct 26 80–110
Portulaca Apr 6 May 25 May 25 Jul 13 – Oct 12 50–70
Roses Mar 2 May 25 Aug 10 – Nov 9 90–180
Salvia Mar 9 May 18 Jul 27 – Oct 19 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Mar 9 May 25 Sep 21 – Nov 23 60–90
Snapdragon Mar 2 Apr 27 May 11 Jul 20 – Sep 21 70–100
Sunflower Apr 20 May 18 May 18 Aug 10 – Oct 19 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Mar 23 Apr 27 May 11 Jun 22 – Aug 31 45–60
Sweet Pea Mar 30 Apr 6 May 11 Jul 27 – Sep 28 65–85
Tulips Aug 20 Jul 23 – Aug 13 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Feb 23 May 25 Aug 3 – Oct 19 70–90
Yarrow Mar 9 May 11 May 25 Aug 3 – Nov 9 60–90
Zinnia Apr 13 May 18 May 18 Jul 27 – Oct 19 60–70

Monthly Planting Guide for Box Butte County

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Box Butte County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Box Butte County, NE?

Box Butte County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.

When is the last frost in Box Butte County, NE?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Box Butte County falls around May 11. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

When is the first fall frost in Box Butte County, NE?

The median first fall frost in Box Butte County arrives around October 1. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

🌱

Your Box Butte County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Box Butte County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.