When to Plant Jostaberry in Crittenden County, AR
Your May game plan for Crittenden County, Arkansas
A quick May briefing for Crittenden County, Arkansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Jostaberry is a thornless hybrid of black currant and gooseberry, producing medium-sized, dark berries with a complex, tart-sweet flavor. It is vigorous and disease-resistant.
Crittenden County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 808 feet, Crittenden County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Jostaberry during the growing season.
Crittenden County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Crittenden County
How your county's soil matches Jostaberry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Jostaberry's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Crittenden County is excellent for Jostaberry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Jostaberry.
How to Plant Jostaberry
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Jostaberry
Jostaberry needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Jostaberry Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Crittenden County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jostaberry 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.
Jostaberry Planting Timeline — Crittenden County, AR
Jostaberry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
229 days in Crittenden County
Growing Tips for Jostaberry in Crittenden County
Direct sow Jostaberry outdoors after March 21 in Crittenden County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 229.0-day growing season in Crittenden County is tight for Jostaberry (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in rich, well-drained soil. No special pruning required beyond removing old wood. Self-fertile but yields improve with a second bush. Berries ripen midsummer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jostaberry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jostaberry in Crittenden County, AR?
Crittenden County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Jostaberry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crittenden County, AR?
Crittenden County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Crittenden County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crittenden County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.