Frost Dates for Lincoln, NE 68516

Last spring frost April 26 · First fall frost October 7 · 164 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a

Frost probability for 68516

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 10April 26April 11
Fall (first frost)September 22October 7October 21

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (40.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Lincoln, NE

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
68516April 26October 76a
68521April 27October 66a
68506April 26October 76a
68502April 23October 76a
68510April 26October 76a
68505April 26October 76a
68508April 23October 76a
68504April 26October 76a
68507April 27October 66a
68503April 26October 76a
68522April 23October 76a
68512April 23October 76a
68526April 26October 76a
68528April 23October 76a
68524April 23October 76a
68520April 27October 66a
68527April 27October 65b
68523April 23October 76a
68532April 23October 76a
68514April 27October 55b
68517April 27October 66a
68531April 26October 66a
68588April 26October 7Zone 6a

Month by month in Lincoln

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 26). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 26. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 7). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 7. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 164-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Lincoln, NE (ZIP 68516)?

The median last spring frost date for Lincoln, NE (ZIP code 68516) is around April 26. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Lincoln, NE?

The median first fall frost date for Lincoln, NE is around October 7. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Lincoln, NE?

The frost-free growing season in Lincoln is about 164 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Lincoln, NE?

Based on frost date patterns, Lincoln falls approximately in 6a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Lincoln, NE?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 26). For Lincoln, that's roughly March 1 to March 15. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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