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When to Plant Blueberries in McCreary County, KY

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.

McCreary County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.

At an elevation of 1,081 feet, McCreary County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

McCreary County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
184 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
184 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

McCreary County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 1

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
1.0″/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 ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,806 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” McCreary County, KY

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
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 6b

Growing Season

184 days

Growing Tips for McCreary 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 McCreary County, KY?

McCreary County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McCreary County, KY?

McCreary County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help McCreary County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 McCreary County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.