Sumner, NE — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
What to do in June
Welcome to June in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Start basil, cucumber, and kale indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
-
Bring in the carrots, kale, and lettuce
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: peppers, astilbe, and begonias
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
- Fall sowing: carrots, kale, and lettuce
Sumner has a classic four-season growing climate (Zone 5b). The last spring frost typically lands around May 5 and the first fall frost arrives around October 3 — a 151-day frost-free season that's long enough for tomatoes, peppers, melons, and a full succession of cool-weather crops on either side. The trick is timing: start warm-season seedlings indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, harden them off, and plant out the week after your local frost date is statistically safe.
Soils trend Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Sumner averages 28.9 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend stable). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
5b (-15°F to -10°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 5
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 3
📅 Growing Season
151 days
🌧️ Climate
Moderate 25.1" annual
💨 Wind
Unknown 0.0 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
28.9 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Sumner
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
Quick context: Over-watering kills more plants than under-watering. Sumner's 25" annual rainfall changes the gardening playbook — humid-region gardeners often water by the calendar when they should water by the soil moisture.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.6 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.7 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.2 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.6 in | 7 days | 1.7 in | High |
| May | 3.1 in | 9 days | 1.2 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 3.3 in | 7 days | 1 in | Moderate |
| Jul | 3 in | 8 days | 1.3 in | Moderate |
| Aug | 2.9 in | 6 days | 1.4 in | Moderate |
| Sep | 1.8 in | 6 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Oct | 1.3 in | 4 days | 3 in | High |
| Nov | 0.8 in | 3 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.5 in | 3 days | — | None |
Annual total: 21.8 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Sumner Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 17 | Oct 16 | 152 days |
| Cautious | May 12 | Oct 8 | 149 days |
| Average year | May 5 | Oct 3 | 151 days |
| Optimistic | Apr 29 | Sep 27 | 151 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 16 | Sep 19 | 156 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±30 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Dawson County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Dawson County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Dawson County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Dawson County University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension Office
Phone: 402-472-2966
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Dawson County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Dawson County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Dawson County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Dawson County NE" or "garden center Dawson County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Dawson County NE" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Dawson County Gardeners" or "Nebraska Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Sumner
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
What this means for you: Onion varieties are sold by "short-day," "intermediate-day," and "long-day." Sumner's latitude determines which to buy — and getting it wrong is the difference between baseball-sized bulbs and marbles.
Longest Day
14.9 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
9.1 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
11.1 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.4 hr | 5.3 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.4 hr | 6.2 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.7 hr | 7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.1 hr | 7.9 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.3 hr | 8.6 hr | Long day |
| June | 14.9 hr | 9.8 hr | Long day |
| July | 14.7 hr | 11.1 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.6 hr | 9.3 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 8.3 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.9 hr | 7 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.7 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| December | 9.1 hr | 4.8 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Sumner
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Why it matters: Watching soil temperature (not air) is the single biggest upgrade most new gardeners can make. Sumner's typical curve helps you plan — but a $5 soil thermometer in the bed beats any average.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°F | 32°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 24°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 31°F | 34°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 47°F | 44°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 58°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 69°F | 63°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 79°F | 71°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 80°F | 73°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 69°F | 70°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 57°F | 59°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 44°F | 49°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Dec | 30°F | 37°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Sumner
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
The practical takeaway: Pest pressure scales with warmth and humidity. Hot humid Sumner sees year-round bugs and fungal disease; cold dry regions see almost none. A high pest score means crop rotation, resistant varieties, and a weekly pest-watch routine from day one.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Low | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Sumner
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
What this means for you: Bare soil is wasted soil — it loses nutrients to rain, dries out, compacts, and gets taken over by weeds. Cover crops (clovers, ryegrass, vetch, peas) are the "between seasons" trick that makes soil better every year. In Sumner, you can fit a cover crop into the gaps.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 17 | Jul 25 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 14 | Aug 8 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 5 | Jul 25 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 31 | Sep 12 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (6 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Jul 23 | Apr 14 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 12 | Apr 14 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 22 | Apr 21 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 8 | Apr 21 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 7 | Apr 21 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 9 | Apr 14 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Sumner
Why it matters: Why care about wind? Above about 10 mph, evaporation jumps and pollinators struggle to land on flowers. Sumner's 0.0 mph average means you can plant tall crops without much support, but it doesn't mean ignore wind — a 20+ mph storm still snaps unstaked tomatoes.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 17 mph Summer: 13 mph
Fall: 13 mph Winter: 14 mph
Prevailing wind: S. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the S side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
8.7/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (147 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Sumner
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
For new gardeners: Rainwater scales linearly with roof area. A 2,000 sq ft roof in Sumner captures ~1,200 gallons per 1" of rain — given 25" annual rainfall, that's thousands of gallons a year if you have storage to hold it.
Annual Collection
10,865 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
7 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,250 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 21.8 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 10,865 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Nov)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Sumner
105 vegetables matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Sumner.
Show all 105 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 19 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 20 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 12 | — | — | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 12 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 12 | — | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | May 19 – Jun 9 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 12 | — | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 24 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Nov 21 – Feb 6 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 12 | — | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 19 | — | Sep 22 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 24 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 3 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Sep 1 – Oct 6 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 15 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 12 | — | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 18 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 12 | — | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 15 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | May 12 – Jun 9 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 24 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | May 19 – Jun 9 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 12 | — | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 15 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 19 | — | Sep 8 – Nov 3 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 12 | — | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 21 | — | Jul 25 | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 5 | Jul 25 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 15 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 12 | — | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Sumner
27 fruits matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Sumner.
Show all 27 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Nov 10 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 8 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 29 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Nov 10 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Sumner
34 herbs matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Sumner.
Show all 34 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jul 28 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 12 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 23 – Aug 11 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Aug 11 – Oct 13 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 12 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 1 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 | Jul 25 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 12 | — | Sep 15 – Oct 27 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Sumner
51 flowers matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Sumner.
Show all 51 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 6 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 7 | — | May 5 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 13 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 24 | Apr 14 | May 5 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 24 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 13 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 3 | May 5 | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 24 | Apr 14 | May 5 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 22 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 20 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 3 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 10 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 7 | May 5 | May 5 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 13 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Jul 4 – Jul 25 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Jul 11 – Aug 1 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 7 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 3 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 3 | Apr 7 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 9 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 10 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Nov 10 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 24 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 13 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 12 | May 12 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 3 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 24 | — | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Aug 1 – Aug 29 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 24 | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 27 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 10 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 20 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 7 | — | — | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 24 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 27 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 24 | — | Apr 28 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 8 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 24 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 6 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 7 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 20 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 24 | — | May 5 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 10 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 27 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jun 30 – Oct 6 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 24 | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 3 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Sep 15 – Nov 24 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 24 | Apr 21 | May 5 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 14 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 17 | Apr 21 | May 5 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | May 5 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Jul 25 – Aug 15 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 17 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 13 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 3 | May 5 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 7 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 20 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Sumner
ZIP Codes in Sumner
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Dawson County.
Your Dawson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dawson 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
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
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
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