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When to Plant Raspberries in Golden Valley County, MT

Raspberries are beloved bramble fruits producing sweet, delicate berries in red, golden, black, and purple varieties. They spread by underground runners and are very productive.

Golden Valley County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 121 days.

At an elevation of 7,917 feet, Golden Valley County receives approximately 25 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Raspberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Golden Valley County, MT (Zone 4a) Short season
121 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
121 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Golden Valley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 5

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 171 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Raspberries needs ~6,707 GDD — county provides 1,482 GDD May not mature

Raspberries Planting Timeline โ€” Golden Valley County, MT

Raspberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 3

ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

365โ€“730 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 4a

Growing Season

121 days

Growing Tips for Golden Valley County

Provide a trellis for support. Prune summer-bearing types by removing spent canes after harvest. For ever-bearing types, mow all canes in late winter for a single fall crop.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Raspberries in Golden Valley County, MT?

Golden Valley County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Golden Valley County, MT?

Golden Valley County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Golden Valley County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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