Omaha, NE Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Omaha

No planting windows from our rules fall in October; see the month-by-month list below.

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (Apr 16, 50% risk), balanced = Apr 25 (30%), safe = May 6 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

A soil thermometer helps here. CSU recommends checking soil temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans) before sowing. NOAA doesn't publish soil-temperature normals, so instead of a date, each crop shows CSU's minimum soil temperature.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Omaha

What to plant in Omaha in February

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 7–21)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 7–21)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 21 – Mar 7)

What to plant in Omaha in March

• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 7–28)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 14–28)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Mar 30 – Apr 13)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 21 – Mar 7)

What to plant in Omaha in April

• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 19 – Apr 22)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Mar 30 – Apr 13)

What to plant in Omaha in May

• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (May 18–20)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 23 – Jun 6)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 2 – May 6)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Apr 16 – May 6)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 30 – May 20)

What to plant in Omaha in June

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 12–26)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 23 – Jun 6)

What to plant in Omaha in July

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 11)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Jul 22)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Jul 26)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Jul 27)
• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Jul 31)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 31)

What to plant in Omaha in August

• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Aug 1)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Aug 15)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Aug 15)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Aug 25)

What to plant in Omaha in September

• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Sep 4)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Omaha

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to transplant tomatoes at least 2 weeks after the average last frost, with nights above 52°F. The frost rule alone would put Omaha at about Apr 30, but the average nightly low at Omaha #1 isn't above 52°F until May 18, so our dates start there: about May 18 (typical), May 18 (balanced) or May 20 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Mar 30 – Apr 13, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on May 18. Below 55°F at night, fruit set suffers (CSU). At Omaha #1, the normal low reaches 55°F on May 25. Set out on May 18, tomato plants would start producing around Jul 22, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 88 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18).

When to plant peppers in Omaha

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts peppers outside around Apr 30 (typical date), May 9 (balanced) or May 20 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Mar 14–28, 6–8 weeks ahead of transplanting on May 9. Below 55°F at night, fruit set suffers (CSU). At Omaha #1, the normal low reaches 55°F on May 25. Set out on May 9, pepper plants would start producing around Jul 18, based on CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 92 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18).

When to plant potatoes in Omaha

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting potatoes as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 45°F or warmer. For Omaha, that's roughly Apr 2–16 by the typical date or Apr 22 – May 6 by the safer date.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Omaha

Hardy crop. Per CSU, onions (dry, from sets) can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Omaha, that works out to roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 (typical date) or Apr 8–22 (safer date).

When to plant peas in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says peas can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 in Omaha using the typical date, or Apr 8–22 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 31, or by Jul 15 to be safe. That's 79 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Omaha

Hardy crop. Per CSU, lettuce (leaf) can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Omaha, that works out to roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 (typical date) or Apr 8–22 (safer date). For a fall crop, sow by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant carrots in Omaha

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting carrots as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Omaha, that's roughly Apr 2–16 by the typical date or Apr 22 – May 6 by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 26, or by Jul 10 to be safe. That's 84 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beans (snap) in Omaha

Tender crop. Sow beans (snap) around the average last frost, per CSU: about Apr 16 in Omaha. Waiting until May 6 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 55°F. For fall, count back 88 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 22, or by Jul 6 to be safe.

When to plant summer squash in Omaha

Tender crop. CSU's timing for summer squash is around the average last frost, which is about Apr 16 in Omaha. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until May 6. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 1, or by Jul 16 to be safe. That's 78 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant broccoli in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says broccoli can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Omaha, that's roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 going by the typical date, or Apr 8–22 going by the safer date. Using CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest, broccoli plants set out on Mar 28 would start producing around Jun 1. That's 139 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18). For a fall harvest of broccoli, get transplants in the ground by Jul 31 (UNL Extension count-back from the typical first frost, Oct 18, with CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest). To raise your own, sow seeds Jun 12–26, 5–7 weeks ahead (CSU).

When to plant cabbage in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says cabbage can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Omaha, that's roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 going by the typical date, or Apr 8–22 going by the safer date. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for cabbage plants is 85 days. Set out on Mar 28, they would start producing around Jun 21, 119 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18). For a fall crop, set cabbage transplants out by Jul 11. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 18), using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds May 23 – Jun 6 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cauliflower in Omaha

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, cauliflower can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 2–16 in Omaha (typical date) or Apr 22 – May 6 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F.

When to plant kohlrabi in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 in Omaha using the typical date, or Apr 8–22 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Aug 15 (Jul 30 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says green onions can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Omaha, that's roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 going by the typical date, or Apr 8–22 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe.

When to plant radishes in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says radishes can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Omaha, that's roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 going by the typical date, or Apr 8–22 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 4, or by Aug 19 to be safe. That's 44 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant spinach in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says spinach can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Omaha, that's roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 going by the typical date, or Apr 8–22 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 25, or by Aug 9 to be safe. That's 54 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant turnips in Omaha

Hardy crop. CSU says turnips can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 19 – Apr 2 in Omaha using the typical date, or Apr 8–22 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Aug 15 (Jul 30 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Omaha

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, beets can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 2–16 in Omaha (typical date) or Apr 22 – May 6 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant swiss chard in Omaha

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says swiss chard can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Omaha, that's roughly Apr 2–16 going by the typical date, or Apr 22 – May 6 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant parsnips in Omaha

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, parsnips can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 2–16 in Omaha (typical date) or Apr 22 – May 6 (safer date). The soil should be at least 35°F.

When to plant sweet corn in Omaha

Tender crop. CSU says to sow sweet corn around the average last frost, about Apr 16 in Omaha. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 6. Seeds need soil of at least 50°F.

When to plant cucumbers in Omaha

Tender crop. Sow cucumbers around the average last frost, per CSU: about Apr 16 in Omaha. Waiting until May 6 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, count back 83 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 27, or by Jul 11 to be safe.

When to plant eggplant in Omaha

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts eggplant outside around Apr 30 (typical date), May 9 (balanced) or May 20 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Mar 7–28, 6–9 weeks ahead of transplanting on May 9. Set out on May 9, eggplant plants would start producing around Jul 8, based on CSU's typical 60 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 102 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18).

When to plant cantaloupe in Omaha

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant cantaloupe around Apr 30 at the earliest, May 9 as a balanced choice, or May 20 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Omaha

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant watermelon 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about Apr 30 (typical date), May 9 (balanced) or May 20 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Omaha

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant winter squash around Apr 30 at the earliest, May 9 as a balanced choice, or May 20 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Omaha?

Tomatoes: Mar 30 – Apr 13. Peppers: Mar 14–28. Both windows count back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Omaha?

About May 18 at the earliest, May 18 as a balanced choice, or May 20 to be safe. CSU wants tomatoes out 2+ weeks after the average last frost (that rule alone gives about Apr 30 here) and nights above 52°F. At Omaha #1, the average nightly low first rises above 52°F on May 18, so the earliest date starts there.

What can I plant in Omaha in the fall?

Counting back from the typical first frost (Oct 18) with UNL Extension's method: peas by Jul 31; lettuce (leaf) by Aug 5; carrots by Jul 26; beans (snap) by Jul 22; summer squash by Aug 1; broccoli by Jul 31 (transplants); cabbage by Jul 11 (transplants); kohlrabi by Aug 15; green onions by Aug 5; radishes by Sep 4; spinach by Aug 25; turnips by Aug 15; beets by Aug 5; swiss chard by Aug 5; cucumbers by Jul 27.

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