In Nebraska, the best time to plant tomatoes outdoors is after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Specifically:
- The soil temperature should be at least 60°F (16°C) to plant tomatoes safely.
- The last frost date varies across Nebraska but generally falls between early to mid-May (for example, Lincoln's last frost date is around May 9, Omaha around May 12).
- It is typically recommended to start planting tomatoes around mid-May in Nebraska to ensure the soil and air temperatures are warm enough.
- In some warmer parts of the state, conditions might allow for earlier planting, but it's prudent to wait until after frost risk is minimal.
Starting tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplanting seedlings outside post-frost is a common practice. Thus, for most of Nebraska, including cities like Lincoln and Omaha, mid to late May is the ideal time to plant tomatoes outdoors, when soil temperatures reach about 60°F and frost risk has passed.
