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When to plant Mulberries in Barrow County, GA

Plant Mulberries in Barrow County, between April 13 and April 27 — the only viable window. Zone 8a's short season (235 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Mulberries in Barrow County, GA

Barrow County, Georgia Zone 8a July

July to-do list for Barrow County, Georgia

Your garden in Barrow County, Georgia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.

Avg. last frost March 23
Avg. first frost November 13
Soil temp (4") 87°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.1 hrs

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Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.

Barrow County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 438 feet, Barrow County receives approximately 60.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Mulberries, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mulberries root diseases.

Barrow County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Barrow County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Mulberries Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 1

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 Barrow County

How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Mulberries's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Barrow County is excellent for Mulberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Mulberries.

How to Plant Mulberries

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Mulberries Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Barrow 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 needs ~25,231 GDD — county provides 4,641 GDD May not mature

Mulberries Planting Timeline — Barrow County, GA

Mulberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

235 days in Barrow County

Growing Tips for Mulberries in Barrow County

Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after March 23 in Barrow County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Barrow County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Mulberries. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your 235.0-day growing season in Barrow 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mulberries in Barrow County, GA?

Barrow County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barrow County, GA?

Barrow County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Mulberries in Barrow County, GA?

In Barrow County, GA, plant Mulberries after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Barrow County, GA for Mulberries?

Barrow County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Mulberries grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mulberries grow in Barrow County's climate?

Yes — Mulberries grows well in Barrow County's temperate climate. Barrow County averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Barrow County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Barrow 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Barrow County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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