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What to plant this week in Lincoln, NE

Week of 2026-W45

Lincoln gardeners are in the final countdown before the last frost of April 21, meaning your outdoor beds need to be cleared and ready for immediate action. This week marks the critical window to plant garlic cloves right away while you wait for Daikon radishes to mature and pull from the soil.

The next 7 days

Lincoln, NE
Today
11/3
61° 46° 💧85%
Wed
11/4
47° 45°
Thu
11/5
48° 41° 💧17%
Fri
11/6
53° 37°
Sat
11/7
52° 41°
Sun
11/8
61° 41°
Mon
11/9
66° 45°
Avg high 55°F Rain total 0.5" Humidity 79% Wind 8.2 mph
On the ground

Growing in Lincoln right now

  • Watch for sudden temperature swings as Lincoln often sees rapid drops in late April; cover tender starts with row fabric if temps dip below freezing overnight after the frost date passes.
  • The clay-heavy soils typical of Saunders County require frequent aeration before planting garlic this week to prevent rot and ensure proper root expansion.
  • Utilize the dry spells common in early spring to apply light organic mulch, but avoid heavy watering until the ground has fully thawed and warmed up.
  • Monitor your harvestable Daikon radishes closely; if leaves begin to yellow significantly by mid-May, pull them immediately before winter rains cause soil compaction that ruins storage quality.
In the ground

Sow this week

No direct sowing windows open this week.

Move out

Transplant this week

Nothing is due to go out this week.

Coming ripe

Harvest soon

2 crops
  • Daikon Radish
  • Garlic
Do this now

Seasonal tips

  • Apply fresh mulch now to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise.
  • Test soil pH before adding any compost or amendments for new transplants.
  • Keep a close eye on emerging seedlings to protect them from late spring fluctuations.
Keep watch

Pest & disease watch

  • Spring slugs are active in Lincoln's damp patches and will target emerging garlic seedlings; place beer traps around beds this week.
  • Watch for early aphid colonies on the new growth of any transplanted greens, as the mild temperatures encourage rapid reproduction.
  • Prevent soil-borne diseases by ensuring your garlic is not planted in low-lying areas where Lincoln's spring drainage can become sluggish.
Water

Watering this week

Water deeply but less frequently now that the soil is warming up, encouraging strong root development.

One more thing

Harvest Daikon Radish promptly before the heat sets in to ensure the best crunch and flavor.

Asked locally

Lincoln gardening questions

3
When exactly should I plant my garlic in Lincoln to ensure a good yield?

You must get those cloves into the ground immediately, as this week is the optimal planting window before the soil becomes too cold or wet. Planting now gives your bulbs enough time to establish roots before the summer heat arrives.

Can I harvest my Daikon radishes right away, and how do I know if they are ready?

Since these are listed for harvest soon, check the top of the root; it should be firm and white, signaling peak flavor and texture. Pull them gently by the green tops to avoid damaging the neck, which is crucial for proper curing.

How does Lincoln's clay soil affect garlic storage after harvest?

Lincoln's dense soils can trap moisture if harvested too early, so wait until the lower leaves have turned completely brown and dry. Allow the bulbs to cure in a well-ventilated, shaded spot for two weeks before storing them in mesh bags.

Nearby

Other cities in zone 6a

12

Albany, NY · Syracuse, NY · Portland, ME · Manchester, NH · Grand Rapids, MI · Ann Arbor, MI · Milwaukee, WI · Omaha, NE · Springfield, IL · Peoria, IL · South Bend, IN · Flagstaff, AZ

See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Lincoln garden in SproutGuide →