When to Plant Raspberries in Pulaski County, AR
May to-do list for Pulaski County, Arkansas
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Pulaski County, Arkansas.
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.
Pulaski County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 1,055 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Raspberries during the growing season.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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 Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Raspberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) overlaps with Raspberries's range (5.5–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Raspberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Raspberries.
How to Plant Raspberries
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Raspberries
Raspberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Raspberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Raspberries 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.
Raspberries Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, AR
Raspberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
· 24" 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"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Raspberries in Pulaski County
Direct sow Raspberries outdoors after March 20 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 236.0-day growing season in Pulaski County is tight for Raspberries (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Raspberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Raspberries in Pulaski County, AR?
Pulaski County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, AR?
Pulaski County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.