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When to Plant Cranberries in Newton 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.

Newton County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 881 feet, Newton County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.

Newton County, AR (Zone 6b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Newton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 14

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 747 gal / 100 sq ft
Cranberries needs ~13,231 GDD — county provides 2,784 GDD May not mature

Cranberries Planting Timeline โ€” Newton County, AR

Cranberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18

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

192 days

Growing Tips for Newton 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 Newton County, AR?

Newton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newton County, AR?

Newton County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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