Frost Dates for Lincoln, NE
In Lincoln, NE, the average last spring frost is around Apr 24 and the average first fall frost around Oct 13, for a growing season of about 171 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 7, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Lincoln Muni Airport, NE weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 1,190 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 7 | Sep 29 |
| 20% | May 3 | Oct 3 |
| 30% | Apr 30 | Oct 7 |
| 40% | Apr 27 | Oct 10 |
| 50% | Apr 24 | Oct 13 |
| 60% | Apr 21 | Oct 16 |
| 70% | Apr 18 | Oct 18 |
| 80% | Apr 15 | Oct 21 |
| 90% | Apr 10 | Oct 24 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 2 | Oct 4 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 24 | Oct 13 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 15 | Oct 22 |
Planting calendar for Lincoln
Transplant May 1 – May 15
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Transplant May 1 – May 15
Sow or transplant May 1 – May 15
Sow or transplant May 1 – May 15
Sow or transplant May 8 – May 22
Sow or transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 15
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 8
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Sow or transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Sep 1
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 22
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Plant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Based on the average last frost (Apr 24) and first frost (Oct 13). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.