When to plant Haskaps in Second Mesa, AZ
Plant Haskaps in Second Mesa during the brief May 23–June 6 window. With 167 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 16.
When to Plant Haskaps in Second Mesa, AZ
July to-do list for Navajo County, Arizona
July is a pivotal month for Navajo County, Arizona gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Haskaps (honeyberries) are extremely cold-hardy shrubs producing elongated blue berries with a complex blueberry-raspberry flavor. They fruit very early in the season.
Second Mesa, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 5,528 feet, Navajo County receives approximately 15.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Haskaps during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Haskaps will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Haskaps successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Second Mesa Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Haskaps 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 Second Mesa
How your county's soil matches Haskaps's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Haskaps prefers (5.5–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Navajo County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Haskaps will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Haskaps.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Haskaps.
How to Plant Haskaps
Haskaps Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Haskaps
Haskaps needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Haskaps Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Navajo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Haskaps 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" — every day above 50°F 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.
Haskaps Planting Timeline — Second Mesa, AZ
Haskaps Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" 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"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Navajo County
Growing Tips for Haskaps in Second Mesa
Direct sow Haskaps outdoors after May 02 in Navajo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Navajo County dries quickly — mulch Haskaps with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 167.0-day growing season in Navajo County is tight for Haskaps (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Navajo County receives only 16" of rain annually. Haskaps needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant at least two different varieties for cross-pollination. Fruits ripen 2-3 weeks before strawberries. Protect from birds. Very low maintenance once established. Tolerates extreme cold.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Haskaps in Other Locations
When should I plant Haskaps in Second Mesa, AZ?
In Second Mesa, AZ, plant Haskaps after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Second Mesa, AZ for Haskaps?
Second Mesa sits in USDA Zone 7a. Haskaps grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Haskaps grow in Second Mesa's climate?
Yes — Haskaps grows well in Second Mesa's temperate climate. Second Mesa averages a 167-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 16.
Your Navajo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Navajo County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.