Blog

When to Plant Blueberries in Audubon County, IA

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.

Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 1,056 feet, Audubon County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Audubon County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Audubon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 4

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
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 230 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Blueberries needs ~13,231 GDD — county provides 2,291 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Audubon County, IA

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
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 5a

Growing Season

158 days

Growing Tips for Audubon 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 Audubon County, IA?

Audubon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Audubon County, IA?

Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Audubon County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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