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When to plant Raspberries in Putnam County, IL

Plant Raspberries in Putnam County, between May 12 and May 26 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (175 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Raspberries in Putnam County, IL

Raspberries

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.

Putnam County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 582 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Raspberries during the growing season.

Putnam County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Putnam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Raspberries Planting Timeline — Putnam County, IL

Raspberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26

· 24" 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

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

365–730 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Putnam County

Growing Tips for Putnam County

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

  • Potatoes
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Raspberries in Putnam County, IL?

Putnam County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Putnam County, IL?

Putnam County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 13.

When should I plant Raspberries in Putnam County, IL?

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

What growing zone is Putnam County, IL for Raspberries?

Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Raspberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Raspberries grow in Putnam County's climate?

Yes — Raspberries grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.

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Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam 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.

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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 Putnam County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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