When to plant Cranberries in McHenry County, IL
In McHenry County, Cranberries is a spring-only crop. Plant May 9–May 23 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Cranberries in McHenry County, IL
Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
McHenry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 640 feet, McHenry County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall.
McHenry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cranberries Planting Timeline — McHenry County, IL
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in McHenry County
Growing Tips for McHenry County
Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in McHenry County, IL?
McHenry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McHenry County, IL?
McHenry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Cranberries in McHenry County, IL?
In McHenry County, IL, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McHenry County, IL for Cranberries?
McHenry County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cranberries grow in McHenry County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in McHenry County's temperate climate. McHenry County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 20.
Your McHenry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McHenry County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.