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

Planting zone for 69220 — Sparks, NE

ZIP code 69220 (Sparks, Cherry County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost September 29.

Where ZIP 69220 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.

Zone5a−20 to −15 °F

Coldest night−28.9 to −26.1 °C

Last frostMay 12

First frostSep 29

2012 zone4b

Was 4b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Sparks, 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 Sparks, NE

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 12median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 25only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 29median — 10% chance by Sep 16

Growing season140 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 2 and returns around October 8.

From the NOAA station Valentine Miller Field, NE — 19 miles away, elevation 2,589 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 69220

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 21

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 21 – May 5

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 14 – Apr 28

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 21 – May 5

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 14 – Apr 28

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 21 – May 5

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

TomatoesTransplant · May 19 – Jun 2

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 26 – Jun 9

BeansSow outdoors · May 19 – Jun 2

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 19 – Jun 2

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 19 – Jun 2

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 4 – Aug 18

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 15 – Oct 20

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 12) and first fall frost (Sep 29) 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 69220 came on Mar 17 — 18 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 4).

average
Apr 42026
Mar 17

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 5a in Nebraska

413 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Nebraska, and rated by the USDA to survive −20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5a. 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 Sparks, NE.

Soil in Sparks, NE

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 69220 is Valentine — fine sand, excessively drained.

TextureFine sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.5neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageExcessively drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter0.75%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Valentine fine sand, 9 to 25 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 69220; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Sparks, NE

Summer high90 °Faverage high, July

Winter low11 °Faverage low, January

Hot days41days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights172nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,053base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 21 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 01 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation22.4 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: Valentine Miller Field, NE (19 mi away); precipitation: Valentine 0.4 E, NE (19 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

687785a

Springview, NE · 18 mi

692215b

Wood Lake, NE · 20 mi

Valentine, NE · 27 mi

575635a

Okreek, SD · 32 mi

692145b

Johnstown, NE · 33 mi

575555a

Mission, SD · 36 mi

Nebraska planting zones →

Questions about 69220

What planting zone is ZIP code 69220?

ZIP code 69220 (Sparks, NE) is in USDA hardiness zone 5a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −20 to −15 °F (−28.9 to −26.1 °C).

When is the last frost in Sparks, NE?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 69220 is May 12; after May 25 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Valentine Miller Field station.

When is the first frost in Sparks, NE?

The median first fall frost near 69220 is September 29, giving a median frost-free growing season of 140 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 69220?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 17 – Mar 31 and set transplants outside around May 19 – Jun 2, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 69220 get?

About 22.4 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Valentine 0.4 E station).

How hot do summers get in Sparks, NE?

The average high peaks at 90 °F in July, with about 41 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 69220 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Valentine at the center of ZIP 69220: fine sand, excessively drained, pH about 6.5 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Sparks, NE in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 69220 came on Mar 17 in 2026, 18 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 4), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Sparks, NE?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 69220 is 15 h 21 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 69220 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 69220 in zone 4b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.