When to Plant Cranberries in Lake of the Woods County, MN
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.
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 1,032 feet, Lake of the Woods County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake of the Woods County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Lake of the Woods County, MN
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
4 – 5.5
USDA Zone
Zone 3a
Growing Season
126 days
Growing Tips for Lake of the Woods 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
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake of the Woods County gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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