Dawes County, NE — Planting Guide
Dawes County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 790 ft, Dawes County receives approximately 25.2 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 81°F with winter lows around 7°F. The predominant soil type is Loam.
🌡️ Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 18
🍂 First Frost
September 21
📅 Growing Season
126 days
⛰️ Elevation
790 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
25.2 in
Dawes County, NE
Short season
126 days
Last Spring Frost
May 18
➔
126 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
September 21
Dawes 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 18
First Frost: Sep 21
Soil & Growing Conditions in Dawes County
Soil Type
Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
With 25.2 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
126-day frost-free season
A short season means indoor starts are critical for warm-season crops. Prioritise cold-hardy, fast-maturing varieties and use row covers to extend autumn harvests.
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
Soil Test Kit
$12-25
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Digital pH Meter
$10-20
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Organic Compost
$8-30
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Dawes County
105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Dawes County.
Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jun 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Sep 7 – Nov 2 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 25 | — | — | Aug 24 – Oct 12 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 25 | — | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 25 | — | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Oct 5 – Oct 19 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 25 | — | — | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 10 | Nov 9 – Jan 25 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 25 | — | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Jun 1 | — | Oct 5 – Nov 16 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 16 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 19 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 28 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 25 | — | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 17 – Nov 2 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 25 | — | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | May 25 – Jun 22 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 12 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 19 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 19 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 25 | — | — | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 28 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Jun 1 | — | Sep 21 – Nov 16 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 25 | — | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 12 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 12 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 18 | Jul 13 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 25 | — | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 13 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Dawes County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Dawes County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | Sep 7 – Nov 23 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 8 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 8 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 8 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 12 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | Sep 7 – Nov 23 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Dawes County
34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Dawes County.
Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Aug 10 – Oct 26 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 9 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Aug 24 – Oct 26 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 9 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 13 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 25 | — | Sep 28 – Nov 9 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Dawes County
51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Dawes County.
Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 30 | May 25 | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 12 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 10 | Sep 14 – Oct 12 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 20 | — | May 18 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 16 | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 19 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Apr 6 | Apr 27 | May 18 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 28 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Mar 9 | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 16 | May 18 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 16 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 16 | — | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Apr 6 | Apr 27 | May 18 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 28 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 13 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 3 – Nov 2 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 16 | May 25 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 16 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 10 | Jun 22 – Jul 13 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 10 | Jun 29 – Jul 20 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 9 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 16 | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 16 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | May 4 | — | Jun 22 – Sep 7 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 16 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 23 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 30 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Mar 9 | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 25 | May 25 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 9 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Mar 9 | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 16 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 10 | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Mar 9 | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 2 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 23 | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Mar 9 | — | Jun 8 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 2 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 9 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Apr 6 | May 25 | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 12 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 26 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Mar 9 | — | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 23 | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 2 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 13 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 19 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Mar 9 | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 16 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 16 | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 16 | — | Jun 1 | — | Sep 28 – Nov 30 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 9 | May 4 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 27 | May 25 | May 25 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 26 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 18 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Apr 6 | Apr 13 | May 18 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 10 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Mar 2 | — | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 16 | May 18 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 16 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Dawes County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Dawes County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Dawes County, NE?
Dawes 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 Dawes County, NE?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Dawes County falls around May 18. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Dawes County, NE?
The median first fall frost in Dawes County arrives around September 21. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Dawes County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dawes 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
$27
$293 value
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
$27
$157 value
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
$27
$210 value
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