Valentine, NE frost dates
How Valentine compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Valentine falls between April 24 and May 19, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 22 and October 16.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the Nebraska median of Apr 29.
- Its 151-day growing season is longer than 14% of the 528 Nebraska places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5a, where the median is May 3.
- The weather station records an average of 162 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 24 |
| 50% (median) | May 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 22 |
| 50% (median) | October 4 |
| 90% (late) | October 16 |
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 Valentine, NE
Valentine, NE frost dates — last frost May 6, first frost Oct 4, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Valentine, NE
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 8 – May 13 | Aug 9 – Sep 6 |
| Kale | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Broccoli | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Okra | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Basil | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 1 – May 13 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 20 – Oct 25 |
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 Valentine #1, NE weather station, 10 km away (elevation 2,589 ft (789 m)).
Frost dates near Valentine
- Crookston May 10 · Sep 29
- Kilgore May 10 · Sep 29
- Sparks May 12 · Sep 29
- Wood Lake Apr 30 · Oct 11
- Nenzel May 10 · Sep 29
- Johnstown May 2 · Oct 8
- Cody May 10 · Sep 29
- Springview May 10 · Oct 1
- Ainsworth May 2 · Oct 8
- Elsmere May 9 · Oct 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Valentine, NE?
The median last spring frost in Valentine, NE is May 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Valentine, NE?
The median first fall frost is October 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 22.
How long is the growing season in Valentine, NE?
About 151 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Valentine, NE?
Valentine, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.