When to Plant Mulberries in Lafayette County, AR
May in the garden — Lafayette County, Arkansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Lafayette County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.
Lafayette County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 819 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mulberries root diseases.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
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 Lafayette County
How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) is within Mulberries's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lafayette County is excellent for Mulberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mulberries.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Mulberries.
How to Plant Mulberries
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Mulberries
Mulberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mulberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lafayette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mulberries 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.
Mulberries Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, AR
Mulberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Lafayette County
Growing Tips for Mulberries in Lafayette County
Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after March 21 in Lafayette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 236.0-day growing season in Lafayette County is tight for Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant away from driveways and patios as fallen berries stain. Minimal pruning is needed. Harvest by shaking branches over a tarp. Birds love mulberries so plant extra.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mulberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mulberries in Lafayette County, AR?
Lafayette County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette County, AR?
Lafayette County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafayette County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.