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When to Plant Blueberries in Winneshiek 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.

Winneshiek County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 1,360 feet, Winneshiek County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Blueberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Winneshiek County, IA (Zone 4b) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Winneshiek County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 13

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
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 195 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Blueberries needs ~9,125 GDD — county provides 1,560 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Winneshiek County, IA

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14

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 4b

Growing Season

156 days

Growing Tips for Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County, IA?

Winneshiek County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Winneshiek County, IA?

Winneshiek County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Winneshiek County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Winneshiek County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.