When to plant Blackberries in Monroe County, IL
Monroe County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Blackberries May 5–May 19 for the single annual harvest; the October 24 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Blackberries in Monroe County, IL
Blackberries are vigorous bramble fruits that produce sweet-tart berries on thorny or thornless canes. They are prolific producers and relatively low-maintenance once established.
Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Blackberries during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Blackberries Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IL
Blackberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
· 24" apart · Rows 72" 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe County
Plant bare-root canes in spring. Provide a sturdy trellis system. Prune out spent fruiting canes after harvest. New canes fruit in their second year (floricanes).
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Blackberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Blackberries in Monroe County, IL?
Monroe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Blackberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, IL?
Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Blackberries in Monroe County, IL?
In Monroe County, IL, plant Blackberries after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, IL for Blackberries?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Blackberries grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Blackberries grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Blackberries grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 24.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.