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When to Plant Cranberries in Carroll County, AR

Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.

Carroll County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,166 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 53.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cranberries root diseases.

Carroll County, AR (Zone 6b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Carroll County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 18

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
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 594 gal / 100 sq ft
Cranberries needs ~14,600 GDD — county provides 3,104 GDD May not mature

Cranberries Planting Timeline โ€” Carroll County, AR

Cranberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19

ยท 36" apart ยท Rows 48" 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

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

4 โ€“ 5.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

194 days

Growing Tips for Carroll County

Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cranberries in Carroll County, AR?

Carroll County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carroll County, AR?

Carroll County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Carroll County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Carroll County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.