When to Plant Blueberries in Mille Lacs County, MN
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.
Mille Lacs County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 874 feet, Mille Lacs County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Blueberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Mille Lacs County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Blueberries Planting Timeline — Mille Lacs County, MN
Blueberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
4.5 – 5.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
158 days
Growing Tips for Mille Lacs 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
Blueberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Blueberries in Mille Lacs County, MN?
Mille Lacs County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mille Lacs County, MN?
Mille Lacs County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mille Lacs County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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