Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 68827 — Chapman, NE

ZIP code 68827 (Chapman, Merrick County) is in USDA zone 5b: the coldest winter night averages −15 to −10 °F. The median last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost October 15.

Where ZIP 68827 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone5b−15 to −10 °F

Coldest night−26.1 to −23.3 °C

Last frostApr 23

First frostOct 15

2012 zone5b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Chapman, NE…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Chapman, NE

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostApril 23median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 6only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 15median — 10% chance by Sep 29

Growing season174 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 12 and returns around October 23.

From the NOAA station Grand Island Airport, NE — 9 miles away, elevation 1,841 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 68827

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 12 – Apr 2

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 12 – Feb 26

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 2 – Apr 16

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 26 – Mar 12

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 30 – May 14

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 12 – Feb 26

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 7 – May 21

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 20 – Sep 3

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 1 – Nov 5

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 23) and first fall frost (Oct 15) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 68827 came on Mar 10 — 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 29).

average
Mar 292026
Mar 10

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 5b in Nebraska

420 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Nebraska, and rated by the USDA to survive −15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Chapman, NE.

Soil in Chapman, NE

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 68827 is Caruso — loam, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.9alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter2.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Caruso-Gayville complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 68827; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Chapman, NE

Summer high88 °Faverage high, July

Winter low16 °Faverage low, January

Hot days36days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights145nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,550base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 08 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 13 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation28.1 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Grand Island Airport, NE (9 mi away); precipitation: Grand Island 6.7 Nne, NE (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 5b.

688725b

Saint Libory, NE · 9 mi

688015b

Grand Island, NE · 9 mi

688165b

Archer, NE · 9 mi

688545b

Marquette, NE · 10 mi

688655b

Phillips, NE · 10 mi

688265b

Central City, NE · 12 mi

688035b

Grand Island, NE · 14 mi

688645b

Palmer, NE · 15 mi

Nebraska planting zones →

Questions about 68827

What planting zone is ZIP code 68827?

ZIP code 68827 (Chapman, NE) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −15 to −10 °F (−26.1 to −23.3 °C).

When is the last frost in Chapman, NE?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 68827 is April 23; after May 6 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Grand Island Airport station.

When is the first frost in Chapman, NE?

The median first fall frost near 68827 is October 15, giving a median frost-free growing season of 174 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 68827?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 26 – Mar 12 and set transplants outside around Apr 30 – May 14, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 68827 get?

About 28.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Grand Island 6.7 Nne station).

How hot do summers get in Chapman, NE?

The average high peaks at 88 °F in July, with about 36 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 68827 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Caruso at the center of ZIP 68827: loam, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 7.9 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Chapman, NE in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 68827 came on Mar 10 in 2026, 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 29), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Chapman, NE?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 68827 is 15 h 08 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).