Bayard, NE frost dates
How Bayard compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Bayard falls between April 26 and May 23, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 21 and October 15.
- The median last frost is 9 days later than the Nebraska median of Apr 29.
- Its 148-day growing season is longer than 9% of the 528 Nebraska places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is 5 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 164 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 26 |
| 50% (median) | May 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 21 |
| 50% (median) | October 3 |
| 90% (late) | October 15 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Bayard, NE
Bayard, NE frost dates — last frost May 8, first frost Oct 3, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Bayard, NE
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Apr 10 – May 15 | Aug 8 – Sep 5 |
| Kale | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Broccoli | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Cabbage | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Okra | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 29 – Jun 12 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Basil | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | — | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 15 – Jun 5 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 19 – Oct 24 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Bridgeport, NE weather station, 19 km away (elevation 3,665 ft (1,117 m)).
Frost dates near Bayard
- Mcgrew May 5 · Oct 11
- Melbeta May 5 · Oct 4
- Minatare May 5 · Oct 11
- Bridgeport May 8 · Oct 3
- Angora May 8 · Oct 3
- Gering May 8 · Oct 3
- Scottsbluff May 8 · Oct 3
- Harrisburg May 24 · Sep 20
- Broadwater May 13 · Sep 28
- Mitchell May 7 · Oct 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bayard, NE?
The median last spring frost in Bayard, NE is May 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bayard, NE?
The median first fall frost is October 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 21.
How long is the growing season in Bayard, NE?
About 148 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bayard, NE?
Bayard, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.