When to Plant Garlic in Pierce County, NE
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Pierce County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 658 feet, Pierce County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.
Pierce County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic
Garlic needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Garlic Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pierce County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Pierce County, NE
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | November 24 | Nov 24 – Feb 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Harvest |
| February | Harvest |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–240 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Pierce County
Growing Tips for Pierce County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Pierce County, NE?
Pierce County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pierce County, NE?
Pierce County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Pierce County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pierce 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.