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When to Plant Boysenberries in Barnstable County, MA

Boysenberries are a cross between raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries, producing large, dark, intensely flavored berries. They are excellent for jams and pies.

Barnstable County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 518 feet, Barnstable County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Boysenberries during the growing season.

Barnstable County, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Barnstable County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 9
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
Boysenberries needs ~9,992 GDD — county provides 3,449 GDD May not mature

Boysenberries Planting Timeline โ€” Barnstable County, MA

Boysenberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23

ยท 24" 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

365โ€“730 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

189 days

Growing Tips for Barnstable County

Provide strong trellising for vigorous canes. Prune spent canes to ground after harvest. Mulch heavily to retain moisture. Protect from wind to prevent cane damage.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Boysenberries in Barnstable County, MA?

Barnstable County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Boysenberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barnstable County, MA?

Barnstable County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 24.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Barnstable County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Barnstable County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.