Broken Bow 2 W, NE Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Broken Bow 2 W garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 10
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Oct 1
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
144 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 5a
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost Apr 28 May 10 May 24
First fall frost Oct 12 Oct 1 Sep 18
Hard freeze (28°F), median last May 2 · first Oct 9

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the BROKEN BOW 2 W station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Broken Bow 2 W

Computed from Broken Bow 2 W's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-5 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 15 – Mar 29 May 17 – May 24
🫑 Peppers Mar 1 – Mar 15 May 24 – May 31
🥬 Lettuce Mar 29 – Apr 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26 Apr 12 – May 10
🫛 Peas Mar 29 – Apr 12
🥕 Carrots Apr 19 – May 10
🥦 Broccoli Mar 22 – Apr 5 Apr 19 – May 3
🥬 Kale Mar 29 – Apr 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26 Apr 12 – Apr 26
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 12 – Apr 19 May 17 – May 24 May 17 – May 24
🥒 Zucchini Apr 12 – Apr 19 May 17 – May 24 May 17 – May 24
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 17 – May 24
🌽 Sweet Corn May 17 – May 24
🌿 Basil Mar 29 – Apr 12 May 17 – May 24 May 24 – May 31
🧄 Garlic Fall: Aug 20 – Sep 17

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Broken Bow 2 W's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Broken Bow 2 W

At about 144 frost-free days, Broken Bow 2 W rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Broken Bow 2 W, NE?

The average last spring frost in Broken Bow 2 W is around May 10, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Broken Bow 2 W, NE?

The average first fall frost in Broken Bow 2 W arrives around Oct 1. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Broken Bow 2 W?

About 144 frost-free days on average, from May 10 to Oct 1. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is Broken Bow 2 W in?

USDA zone 5a on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.