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 Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
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.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
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.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
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.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log