Hooker County, NE — Planting Guide
Hooker County is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 737 ft, Hooker County receives approximately 21.1 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 81°F with winter lows around 8°F. The predominant soil type is Loam.
🌡️ Zone
5b (-15°F to -10°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 13
🍂 First Frost
October 4
📅 Growing Season
144 days
⛰️ Elevation
737 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
21.1 in
Hooker County, NE
Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost
May 13
➔
144 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 4
Hooker County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 5b
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 13
First Frost: Oct 4
Soil & Growing Conditions in Hooker County
Soil Type
Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
With 21.1 inches annually, regular irrigation is essential. Drip systems and heavy mulching conserve water.
Season Tips
144-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
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 Hooker County
105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Hooker County.
Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 27 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Sep 2 – Oct 28 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 20 | — | — | Aug 19 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 20 | — | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 20 | — | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | May 27 – Jun 17 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 12 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 20 | — | — | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Oct 7 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 23 | Nov 22 – Feb 7 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 20 | — | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 27 | — | Sep 30 – Nov 11 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Nov 11 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Sep 9 – Oct 14 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 23 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 20 | — | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 12 – Oct 28 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 26 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 20 | — | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | May 20 – Jun 17 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Jul 15 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 19 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 12 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Oct 14 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 15 – Aug 19 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | May 27 – Jun 17 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 20 | — | — | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 23 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 16 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 27 | — | Sep 16 – Nov 11 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 20 | — | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 26 | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 13 | Jul 26 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 20 | — | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Hooker County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Hooker County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | Sep 2 – Nov 18 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 3 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 16 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 3 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 3 | — | Aug 26 – Oct 7 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | Sep 2 – Nov 18 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Hooker County
34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Hooker County.
Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Aug 5 – Oct 21 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 20 | — | Aug 19 – Nov 4 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Aug 19 – Oct 21 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 16 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 20 | — | Aug 19 – Nov 4 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 20 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 9 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 20 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 8 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 26 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 20 | — | Sep 23 – Nov 4 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Hooker County
51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Hooker County.
Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Oct 14 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 23 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 15 | — | May 13 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 15 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 11 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 21 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Apr 1 | Apr 22 | May 13 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Mar 4 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 21 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 11 | May 13 | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 18 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 11 | — | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Apr 1 | Apr 22 | May 13 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 30 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Oct 28 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 11 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 11 | May 20 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Nov 18 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 15 | May 13 | May 13 | — | Jul 22 – Oct 21 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 23 | Jul 5 – Jul 26 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 23 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 11 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 11 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Nov 18 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 11 | Apr 15 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 17 – Sep 9 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 11 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Nov 18 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 11 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 18 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Nov 18 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Mar 4 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 21 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 20 | May 20 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 11 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Mar 4 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 19 – Nov 18 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 23 | Aug 2 – Aug 30 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Mar 4 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 4 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 18 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 28 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 15 | — | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Mar 4 | — | Jun 3 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 30 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Nov 4 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 4 | — | May 6 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 16 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 11 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Apr 1 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Oct 14 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Oct 28 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Mar 4 | — | May 13 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 18 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 28 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 11 | May 27 | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 4 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 8 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 8 – Oct 14 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Mar 4 | — | May 27 | — | Aug 12 – Nov 18 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 11 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 28 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 11 | — | May 27 | — | Sep 23 – Dec 2 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | May 13 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 30 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 22 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 28 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 13 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 13 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 30 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 23 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 25 | — | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 21 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 11 | May 13 | May 27 | — | Aug 5 – Nov 18 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 15 | May 20 | May 20 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 28 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Hooker County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Hooker County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Hooker County, NE?
Hooker County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. 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 Hooker County, NE?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Hooker County falls around May 13. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Hooker County, NE?
The median first fall frost in Hooker County arrives around October 4. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Hooker County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hooker County (Zone 5b). 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