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What can I grow here, and when?
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in Nebraska — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
Nebraska spans USDA zones 4b (Panhandle/Scottsbluff) to 6a (southeast NE / Omaha area). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
4b (Panhandle/Scottsbluff) to 6a (southeast NE / Omaha area)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Eastern NE loam is naturally productive — test before amending. Panhandle soils tend alkaline — avoid lime. Sandhills soils need irrigation and organic matter to be productive. UNL Extension soil testing is available through county offices.
Know your soil
Nebraska's Sandhills have deep, sandy, well-drained soils — difficult to farm without irrigation. Eastern Nebraska has productive loam soils — some of the best in the Midwest. The Panhandle has clay loam with alkaline tendencies. The Platte River valley soils are highly productive silt loam.
Map your soil type with USDA Web Soil Survey →Free soil testing
Free or low-cost soil testing available through your county Extension office
Results include specific lime and fertilizer recommendations
Most states offer testing April through fall — fees apply in winter
Results typically returned within 10 business days
Next steps
Preserve what you grow
Nebraska Extension offers food preservation workshops — and NWS has the full canning guides.
Food IndependenceGet the checklist
Spring prep, frost protection, soil test timing, and compost setup — timed to regional frost dates.
NE Checklists