When to Plant Mulberries in Lincoln County, KS
April to-do list for Lincoln County, Kansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lincoln County, Kansas this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Coming up in May — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: mulberries
Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.
Lincoln County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 822 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mulberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.5
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.5) is more alkaline than Mulberries prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Mulberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Mulberries.
How to Plant Mulberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Mulberries
Mulberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mulberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mulberries 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.
Mulberries Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, KS
Mulberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" 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"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Mulberries in Lincoln County
Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after April 16 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 185.0-day growing season in Lincoln County is tight for Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant away from driveways and patios as fallen berries stain. Minimal pruning is needed. Harvest by shaking branches over a tarp. Birds love mulberries so plant extra.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mulberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mulberries in Lincoln County, KS?
Lincoln County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, KS?
Lincoln County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.