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When to Plant Blueberries in Gogebic County, MI

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.

Gogebic County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.

At an elevation of 695 feet, Gogebic County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Blueberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Gogebic County, MI (Zone 4a) Short season
126 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
126 growing days
First Fall Frost September 25

Gogebic County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 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.

Soil Compatibility in Gogebic County

How your county's soil matches Blueberries's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.1โ€“6.9) is more alkaline than Blueberries prefers (4.5โ€“5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Gogebic County is excellent for Blueberries โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) โ€” Blueberries will thrive.

How to Plant Blueberries

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

How Much Blueberries to Grow

5-10 lbs
Average yield per plant
2
Plants per person
48 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 blueberries plants in about 192 sq ft. In Gogebic County's 126-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.2″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 105 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Blueberries

Blueberries needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Blueberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 3.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 5.2" 4" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 5.2" 4.2" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 5.2" 3.6" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 5.2" 3.6" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 5.2" 3.3" 1.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Gogebic County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Blueberries Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Blueberries needs ~11,178 GDD — county provides 1,543 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Gogebic County, MI

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 3

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1.2"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 4.5โ€“5.5 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

126 days in Gogebic County

Growing Tips for Blueberries in Gogebic County

Direct sow Blueberries outdoors after May 22 in Gogebic County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 126.0-day growing season in Gogebic County is tight for Blueberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Blueberries in Gogebic County, MI?

Gogebic County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gogebic County, MI?

Gogebic County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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