Frost Dates for Norfolk, NE
In Norfolk, NE, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the average first fall frost around Oct 4, for a growing season of about 156 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 16, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Norfolk 4W, NE weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 1,545 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 16 | Sep 22 |
| 20% | May 11 | Sep 26 |
| 30% | May 7 | Sep 29 |
| 40% | May 4 | Oct 1 |
| 50% | May 1 | Oct 4 |
| 60% | Apr 29 | Oct 6 |
| 70% | Apr 25 | Oct 10 |
| 80% | Apr 22 | Oct 14 |
| 90% | Apr 16 | Oct 18 |
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 9 | Sep 27 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Oct 4 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 21 | Oct 15 |
Planting calendar for Norfolk
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Transplant May 15 – May 29
Transplant May 15 – May 29
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Sow or transplant May 8 – May 22
Sow or transplant May 8 – May 22
Sow or transplant May 15 – May 29
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Sep 6
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 30
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 23
Transplant Apr 17 – May 1
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 13
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Plant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Based on the average last frost (May 1) and first frost (Oct 4). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.