When to Plant Carrots in Washington County, NE
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Washington County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 508 feet, Washington County receives approximately 29.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Washington County, NE
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington County
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Washington County, NE?
Washington County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, NE?
Washington County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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