When to Plant Cranberries in Atchison County, KS
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.
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 678 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Atchison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Atchison County
How your county's soil matches Cranberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.8) is more alkaline than Cranberries prefers (4.0–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Atchison County is excellent for Cranberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Cranberries is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Cranberries.
How to Plant Cranberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cranberries
Cranberries needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cranberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Atchison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Atchison County, KS
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Atchison County
Growing Tips for Cranberries in Atchison County
Direct sow Cranberries outdoors after April 17 in Atchison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 187.0-day growing season in Atchison County is tight for Cranberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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