Waco, NE frost dates
Last spring frostApr 29median date
First fall frostOct 13median date
Growing season167 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5bZone 5b
How Waco compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Waco falls between April 14 and May 9, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 30 and October 23.
- The median last frost is the same as the Nebraska median of Apr 29.
- Its 167-day growing season is longer than 54% of the 528 Nebraska places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5b, where the median is May 1.
- The weather station records an average of 156 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Lincoln, NE, 65 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 5 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 14 |
| 50% (median) | April 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 30 |
| 50% (median) | October 13 |
| 90% (late) | October 23 |
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 Waco, NE
Waco, NE frost dates — last frost Apr 29, first frost Oct 13, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Feb 4 to Feb 18Transplant outside: Apr 1 to Apr 15
Start indoors: Feb 18 to Mar 4Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Start indoors: Feb 18 to Mar 4Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 6 to May 20
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 8 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 6Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 15
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 1 to Apr 15Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 25
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 28
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 8 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 28
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 28
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 6 to May 20
Sow outdoors: Mar 18 to Apr 8Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Sow outdoors: Mar 18 to Apr 8Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 8
Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to May 6Plant for fall: Sep 1 to Sep 22
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Transplant outside: May 13 to May 20Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 28 to Aug 11
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 18
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 6Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 6Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 18
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Apr 29
Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 13Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 18
Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 6Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 8
Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 27Plant for fall: Jul 28 to Aug 11
Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20
Transplant outside: May 13 to Jun 3
Plant for fall: Sep 29 to Nov 3
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Waco, 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 18 – Sep 15 |
| Kale | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| 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 21 – Aug 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| 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 21 – Aug 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 6 – May 27 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 29 – Nov 3 |
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 York 3n, NE weather station, 12 km away (elevation 1,614 ft (492 m)).
Frost dates near Waco
- Utica Apr 26 · Oct 12
- Gresham Apr 29 · Oct 9
- York Apr 22 · Oct 18
- Benedict Apr 29 · Oct 13
- Beaver Crossing Apr 26 · Oct 13
- Goehner Apr 26 · Oct 12
- Mc Cool Junction Apr 25 · Oct 14
- Staplehurst Apr 26 · Oct 12
- Stromsburg Apr 25 · Oct 14
- Surprise Apr 29 · Oct 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Waco, NE?
The median last spring frost in Waco, NE is April 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Waco, NE?
The median first fall frost is October 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 30.
How long is the growing season in Waco, NE?
About 167 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Waco, NE?
Waco, NE is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.