Blog

When to Plant Blueberries in Daniels County, MT

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.

Daniels County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 119 days.

At an elevation of 6,023 feet, Daniels County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Blueberries to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Blueberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Daniels County, MT (Zone 3b) Short season
119 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
119 growing days
First Fall Frost September 16

Daniels County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 7

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 576 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Blueberries needs ~7,756 GDD — county provides 1,011 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Daniels County, MT

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 โ€“ Jul 1

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

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 3b

Growing Season

119 days

Growing Tips for Daniels 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 Daniels County, MT?

Daniels County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Daniels County, MT?

Daniels County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Daniels County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Daniels County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.