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When to Plant Blueberries in Washington County, WI

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.

Washington County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.

At an elevation of 1,141 feet, Washington County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Washington County, WI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
167 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
167 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 3

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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 227 gal / 100 sq ft
Blueberries needs ~12,547 GDD — county provides 2,296 GDD May not mature

Blueberries Planting Timeline โ€” Washington County, WI

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 1

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 5a

Growing Season

167 days

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, WI?

Washington County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, WI?

Washington County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Washington County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.