Scottsbluff, NE planting zone & frost dates
Scottsbluff is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 8 and the first fall frost around October 3, for a growing season of about 147 days.
Planting calendar for Scottsbluff
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 8) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 8 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 3).
Useful for zone 5a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 25 | May 8 | May 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 16 | Oct 3 | Sep 19 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 19. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 28.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Scottsbluff
- 69361 zone 5a
- 69363 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- North Platte zone 5b, last frost May 3
- Lexington zone 5b, last frost Apr 26
- Kearney zone 5b, last frost Apr 30
- Grand Island zone 5b, last frost Apr 23
- Hastings zone 6a, last frost Apr 22
- Norfolk zone 5a, last frost Apr 30
- Columbus zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
- Lincoln zone 6a, last frost Apr 24
Questions
What growing zone is Scottsbluff, NE?
Scottsbluff is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a (average extreme winter low -20°F to -15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Scottsbluff?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Scottsbluff is May 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Scottsbluff?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 15 – May 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Scottsbluff 1E, NE (USC00257667), 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 1192 m, based on 15 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.