When to Plant Blueberries in Lincoln County, AR
May to-do list for Lincoln County, Arkansas
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lincoln County, Arkansas.
Blueberries are long-lived shrubs producing sweet, antioxidant-rich berries. They require acidic soil and are attractive ornamental plants with fall color and spring flowers.
Lincoln County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
At an elevation of 535 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 49.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Blueberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) is more alkaline than Blueberries prefers (4.5–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Blueberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Blueberries.
How to Plant Blueberries
How Much Blueberries to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 blueberries plants in about 192 sq ft. In Lincoln County's 235-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Blueberries
Blueberries needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Blueberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.2" | 4.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 3.9" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 3.5" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 4.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 4.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 3.4" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 4.1" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Blueberries 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.
Blueberries Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, AR
Blueberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
· 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
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
235 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Blueberries in Lincoln County
Direct sow Blueberries outdoors after March 19 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 235.0-day growing season in Lincoln County is tight for Blueberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Acidify soil with sulfur or pine needle mulch to maintain pH 4.5-5.5. Protect ripening berries from birds with netting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Blueberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Blueberries in Lincoln County, AR?
Lincoln County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, AR?
Lincoln County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.