When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Howard County, NE
Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy brassica that produces miniature cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. Flavor improves after a light frost.
Howard County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 844 feet, Howard County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Brussels Sprouts to ensure they mature before fall.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — Howard County, NE
Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Howard County
Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before first fall frost. Stake tall plants to prevent toppling. Remove lower leaves as sprouts develop to improve air circulation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Brussels Sprouts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Howard County, NE?
Howard County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, NE?
Howard County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howard 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.