When to Plant Peppers in Lincoln County, WY
Your May planting checklist for Lincoln County, Wyoming
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: peppers
- Direct-sowing: peppers
Sweet peppers are warm-season crops producing fruits in a rainbow of colors. They turn from green to red, yellow, or orange as they ripen, increasing in sweetness.
Lincoln County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 98 days.
At an elevation of 6,850 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 17.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Peppers to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Peppers successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Peppers's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Peppers prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Peppers — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Peppers.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Peppers.
How to Plant Peppers
How Much Peppers to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 peppers plants in about 30 sq ft. In Lincoln County's 98-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Peppers
Peppers needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Peppers Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.8" | 1.2" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 1.7" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 1.6" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Peppers Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Peppers Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, WY
Peppers Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 |
| Direct Sow | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jul 5 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Nov 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
98 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Peppers in Lincoln County
Direct sow Peppers outdoors after June 07 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 98.0-day growing season in Lincoln County is tight for Peppers (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Peppers in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Lincoln County receives only 18" of rain annually. Peppers needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant when nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaves over fruit.
Recommended Peppers Varieties for Lincoln County
Fast-maturing pepper varieties for shorter seasons
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 300 ft for purity. Hot and sweet peppers can cross-pollinate.
Peppers in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peppers in Lincoln County, WY?
Lincoln County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Peppers planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, WY?
Lincoln County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 13.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.