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When to Plant Blueberries in Ashley County, AR

Blueberries are long-lived shrubs producing sweet, antioxidant-rich berries. They require acidic soil and are attractive ornamental plants with fall color and spring flowers.

Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.

At an elevation of 1,028 feet, Ashley County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Ashley County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
231 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
231 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Ashley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Blueberries needs ~18,022 GDD — county provides 4,562 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Ashley County, AR

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

4.5 โ€“ 5.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

231 days

Growing Tips for Ashley County

Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Acidify soil with sulfur or pine needle mulch to maintain pH 4.5-5.5. Protect ripening berries from birds with netting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Blueberries in Ashley County, AR?

Ashley County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ashley County, AR?

Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ashley County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ashley County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.