When to Plant Cranberries in Summit County, OH
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.
Summit County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,309 feet, Summit County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Cranberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.7) is more alkaline than Cranberries prefers (4.0–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Cranberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Cranberries will thrive.
How to Plant Cranberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Summit County, OH
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
162 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Cranberries in Summit County
Direct sow Cranberries outdoors after May 04 in Summit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 162.0-day growing season in Summit 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Summit County, OH?
Summit County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, OH?
Summit County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Summit County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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