When to Plant Cranberries in Leavenworth County, KS
Leavenworth County, Kansas gardeners: here's your May plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Leavenworth County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Plant out cranberries
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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.
Leavenworth County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. 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 693 feet, Leavenworth County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Leavenworth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Leavenworth County
How your county's soil matches Cranberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) is more alkaline than Cranberries prefers (4.0–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Leavenworth County is excellent for Cranberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Cranberries will thrive.
How to Plant Cranberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cranberries
Cranberries needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cranberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Leavenworth County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Leavenworth 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
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Leavenworth County
Growing Tips for Cranberries in Leavenworth County
Direct sow Cranberries outdoors after April 14 in Leavenworth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 193.0-day growing season in Leavenworth County is tight for Cranberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Leavenworth County receives only 20" of rain annually. Cranberries needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Leavenworth County, KS?
Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth County, KS?
Leavenworth County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Leavenworth County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Leavenworth 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.