When to Plant Cranberries in San Juan County, UT
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.
San Juan County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 5,225 feet, San Juan County receives approximately 13.7 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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cranberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
San Juan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cranberries Planting Timeline — San Juan County, UT
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
· 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
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
4 – 5.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for San Juan 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 San Juan County, UT?
San Juan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Juan County, UT?
San Juan County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help San Juan County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.