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When to plant Lingonberries in Greene County, IL

Plant Lingonberries in Greene County during the brief May 4–May 18 window. With 191 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 21.

When to Plant Lingonberries in Greene County, IL

Greene County, Illinois Zone 6a June

June to-do list for Greene County, Illinois

Your Greene County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 13
Avg. first frost October 21
Soil temp (4") 68°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs

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Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.

Greene County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 1,248 feet, Greene County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lingonberries during the growing season.

Greene County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Greene County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Lingonberries Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16

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 Greene County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.1–6.7) is more alkaline than Lingonberries prefers (4.5–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Greene County is excellent for Lingonberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Lingonberries.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Lingonberries will thrive.

How to Plant Lingonberries

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Lingonberries Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 992 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Lingonberries

Lingonberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lingonberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Greene County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lingonberries 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.

Lingonberries needs ~13,231 GDD — county provides 2,769 GDD May not mature

Lingonberries Planting Timeline — Greene County, IL

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/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 6a

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Greene County

Growing Tips for Lingonberries in Greene County

Direct sow Lingonberries outdoors after April 13 in Greene County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 191.0-day growing season in Greene County is tight for Lingonberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Amend soil with peat and pine needle mulch for acidity. Plant 12 inches apart as a ground cover. Berries ripen in late summer. Requires minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lingonberries in Greene County, IL?

Greene County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greene County, IL?

Greene County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Lingonberries in Greene County, IL?

In Greene County, IL, plant Lingonberries after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Greene County, IL for Lingonberries?

Greene County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lingonberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lingonberries grow in Greene County's climate?

Yes — Lingonberries grows well in Greene County's temperate climate. Greene County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Greene County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Greene County (Zone 6a). 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 Greene County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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