Blog

When to Plant Currants in Divide County, ND

Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.

Divide County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.

At an elevation of 994 feet, Divide County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.

Divide County, ND (Zone 3b) Short season
128 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
128 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Divide County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 24

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 Divide County

How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2โ€“7.6) is more alkaline than Currants prefers (6.0โ€“6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Divide County is excellent for Currants โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Currants.

How to Plant Currants

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.8″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 174 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Currants

Currants needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Currants Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 3.5" 2.8" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 3.5" 1.3" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 3.5" 1.7" 1.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 3.5" 2.1" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 3.5" 1.8" 1.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Divide County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Currants 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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.

Currants needs ~8,441 GDD — county provides 1,184 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Divide County, ND

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 12 Jun 12 โ€“ Jun 26

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.8"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“6.5 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

128 days in Divide County

Growing Tips for Currants in Divide County

Direct sow Currants outdoors after May 15 in Divide County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 128.0-day growing season in Divide County is tight for Currants (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Plant in a sheltered location with morning sun. Prune out wood older than 3 years to encourage new fruiting wood. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Currants in Divide County, ND?

Divide County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Divide County, ND?

Divide County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Divide County gardeners in Zone 3b 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Divide County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.