When to plant Currants in Howard County, IA
In Howard County, Currants is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 1–June 15 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 5 first frost.
When to Plant Currants in Howard County, IA
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Howard County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,297 feet, Howard County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Currants Planting Timeline — Howard County, IA
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Howard County
Plant in a sheltered location with morning sun. Prune out wood older than 3 years to encourage new fruiting wood. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Currants in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Currants in Howard County, IA?
Howard County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, IA?
Howard County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Currants in Howard County, IA?
In Howard County, IA, plant Currants after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howard County, IA for Currants?
Howard County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Currants grows reliably in zones 3a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Currants grow in Howard County's climate?
Yes — Currants grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 5.
Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howard County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.