When to plant Cranberries in Clay County, KS
Clay County's short 192-day growing season means one Cranberries planting between May 5 and May 19. No fall crop in Zone 6b.
When to Plant Cranberries in Clay County, KS
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.
Clay County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 519 feet, Clay County receives approximately 28 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Cranberries
Cranberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cranberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Clay County, KS
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
· 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, KS?
Clay County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, KS?
Clay County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Cranberries in Clay County, KS?
In Clay County, KS, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clay County, KS for Cranberries?
Clay County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cranberries grow in Clay County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.