When to Plant Scallions in Grant County, NE
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Grant County, Nebraska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Move scallions into the garden
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: scallions
Scallions (green onions) are mild-flavored alliums harvested for their slender green tops and white bases. They are quick-growing and perfect for succession planting.
Grant County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 689 feet, Grant County receives approximately 24.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scallions to ensure they mature before fall.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.5
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 Grant County
How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.5) overlaps with Scallions's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Grant County is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Scallions.
How to Plant Scallions
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Scallions
Scallions needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Scallions Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Grant County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Scallions Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Scallions Planting Timeline — Grant County, NE
Scallions Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Scallions in Grant County
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after May 13 in Grant County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Scallions in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Grant County receives only 24" of rain annually. Scallions needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Thin to 1 inch apart or grow in clusters. Harvest when pencil-thick by pulling or cutting at soil level.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scallions in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scallions in Grant County, NE?
Grant County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, NE?
Grant County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grant 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.