Chase County, NE — Planting Guide
Chase County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 733 ft, Chase County receives approximately 29.4 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 86°F with winter lows around 15°F. The predominant soil type is Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 23 days year to year — ranging from April 20 in warm years to May 13 in cold years. Chase County scores 72/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 3
🍂 First Frost
October 7
📅 Growing Season
157 days
⛰️ Elevation
733 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
29.4 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.1 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.8 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.4 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.9 in | 7 days | 1.4 in | Moderate |
| May | 3.1 in | 7 days | 1.2 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 2.4 in | 5 days | 1.9 in | High |
| Jul | 2.4 in | 5 days | 1.9 in | High |
| Aug | 3 in | 7 days | 1.3 in | Moderate |
| Sep | 2.5 in | 5 days | 1.8 in | High |
| Oct | 2.5 in | 5 days | 1.8 in | High |
| Nov | 2.4 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Dec | 1.9 in | 6 days | — | None |
Annual total: 29.4 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Chase County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 13 | Oct 19 | 159 days |
| Cautious | May 11 | Oct 13 | 155 days |
| Average year | May 3 | Oct 7 | 157 days |
| Optimistic | Apr 27 | Oct 4 | 160 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 20 | Sep 27 | 160 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±23 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Chase County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Chase County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Chase County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Chase County University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension Office
Phone: 402-472-2966
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Chase County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Chase County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Chase County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Chase County NE" or "garden center Chase County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Chase County NE" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Chase County Gardeners" or "Nebraska Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
14.9 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
9.1 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.3 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.4 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.4 hr | 6.2 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.7 hr | 7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.1 hr | 8.2 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.3 hr | 8.6 hr | Long day |
| June | 14.9 hr | 10 hr | Long day |
| July | 14.6 hr | 10.3 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.6 hr | 9.3 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 8 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.9 hr | 7 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.7 hr | 5.9 hr | Short day |
| December | 9.1 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°F | 32°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 24°F | 30°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 31°F | 35°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 45°F | 44°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 57°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 71°F | 65°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 76°F | 71°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 78°F | 75°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 71°F | 69°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 57°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 45°F | 49°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Dec | 31°F | 38°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Chase County
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Low | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Chase County
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 12 | Jul 29 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 8 | Aug 5 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 5 | Jul 29 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 22 | Sep 16 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (6 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 4 | Apr 19 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 25 | Apr 19 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 16 | Apr 19 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 26 | Apr 19 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 2 | Apr 19 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 6 | Apr 12 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 16 mph Summer: 13 mph
Fall: 13 mph Winter: 15 mph
Prevailing wind: S. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the S side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
8.7/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (211 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
14,652 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
7 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,250 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Apr, May, Aug, Sep
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 29.4 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 14,652 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Chase County
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH 6.5–7.7 · Well Drained drainage
Native soil is well-suited to most vegetables and herbs with regular compost additions.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 7.5/10
High drought stress. Consistent irrigation is essential — consider drip systems, heavy mulch, and drought-tolerant varieties.
Season Tips
157-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.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
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 Chase County
106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Chase County.
Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 17 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 19 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Aug 23 – Oct 18 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 16 – Sep 20 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 19 | — | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Aug 16 – Sep 20 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | May 17 – Jun 7 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 19 | — | Sep 20 – Oct 4 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 19 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 17 | Sep 20 – Nov 1 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 26 – Nov 1 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 30 – Oct 4 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 16 – Sep 13 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Aug 2 – Oct 18 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | May 10 – Jun 7 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Aug 2 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Aug 9 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Aug 2 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 19 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 26 – Oct 4 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 19 | — | May 17 – Jun 7 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 16 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 19 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 19 – Aug 23 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Aug 2 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 16 – Sep 13 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 17 | Sep 6 – Nov 1 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 19 | — | May 31 – Jul 5 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Chase County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Chase County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 24 | Aug 23 – Nov 8 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 24 | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 24 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 24 | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 24 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 24 | Aug 16 – Sep 27 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 24 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 24 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 24 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 24 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 24 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 24 | Aug 23 – Nov 8 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Chase County
37 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Chase County.
Show all 37 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 10 | Aug 9 – Oct 25 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 21 – Aug 9 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 28 – Sep 6 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Aug 9 – Oct 11 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 10 | Sep 13 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 28 – Sep 6 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 10 | Aug 9 – Oct 25 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 10 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 10 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | May 10 | Aug 9 – Oct 25 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Aug 30 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 10 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 10 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 10 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 10 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 10 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 10 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 10 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 10 | Sep 13 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 10 | Aug 9 – Oct 25 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Chase County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Chase County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Chase County, NE?
Chase 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 Chase County, NE?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Chase County falls around May 3. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between April 20 and May 13 — a 23-day window of variability. Use May 13 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Chase County, NE?
The median first fall frost in Chase County arrives around October 7. In cold years it can arrive as early as September 27; in mild years as late as October 19. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
How long is the growing season in Chase County?
Chase County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 157 days. This is enough time for most warm-season crops including tomatoes, peppers, and squash with proper timing.
What is the soil like in Chase County for gardening?
Chase County has predominantly Loam soil with a pH range of 6.5–7.7 and Well Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Chase County?
Chase County has commercial agriculture that includes Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Hay. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Chase County a good location for home gardening?
Chase County scores 72/100 (Good) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. This is an above-average location for home gardening with relatively predictable growing conditions.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Chase County gardeners in Zone 5a 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.
