Jackson, NE frost dates
How Jackson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Jackson falls between April 15 and May 11, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 24 and October 21.
- The median last frost is the same as the Nebraska median of Apr 29.
- Its 161-day growing season is longer than 40% of the 528 Nebraska places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is 4 days earlier 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 160 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Jackson shares its weather station with Sioux City, IA, 16 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 15 |
| 50% (median) | April 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 24 |
| 50% (median) | October 7 |
| 90% (late) | October 21 |
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 Jackson, NE
Jackson, NE frost dates — last frost Apr 29, first frost Oct 7, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Jackson, NE
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 1 – May 6 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 |
| Kale | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Okra | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Basil | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 6 – May 27 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 23 – Oct 28 |
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 Sioux City Ang, IA weather station, 17 km away (elevation 1,099 ft (335 m)).
Frost dates near Jackson
- Hubbard Apr 29 · Oct 5
- Dakota City Apr 29 · Oct 5
- South Sioux City Apr 29 · Oct 7
- Waterbury May 2 · Oct 4
- Homer Apr 29 · Oct 5
- Ponca May 3 · Oct 3
- Emerson May 5 · Oct 1
- Allen May 2 · Oct 4
- Winnebago May 1 · Oct 6
- Newcastle May 3 · Oct 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Jackson, NE?
The median last spring frost in Jackson, NE is April 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Jackson, NE?
The median first fall frost is October 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 24.
How long is the growing season in Jackson, NE?
About 161 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Jackson, NE?
Jackson, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.