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When to plant Raspberries in Phillips County, KS

In Phillips County, Raspberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 20–June 3 for an 365–730-day harvest, finishing well before the October 10 first frost.

When to Plant Raspberries in Phillips County, KS

Raspberries
Phillips County, Kansas Zone 6a June

Your June planting checklist for Phillips County, Kansas

Here's what deserves your attention in Phillips County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost April 29
Avg. first frost October 10
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs

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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.

Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 929 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 32.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Raspberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Phillips County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Phillips County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Raspberries Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 3

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 Phillips County

How your county's soil matches Raspberries's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–7.5) is more alkaline than Raspberries prefers (5.5–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Phillips County is excellent for Raspberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Raspberries will thrive.

How to Plant Raspberries

24"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Raspberries Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 312 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Raspberries

Raspberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Raspberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Phillips County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Raspberries 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.

Raspberries needs ~7,118 GDD — county provides 2,132 GDD May not mature

Raspberries Planting Timeline — Phillips County, KS

Raspberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 – Jun 3

· 24" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

365–730 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

164 days in Phillips County

Growing Tips for Raspberries in Phillips County

Direct sow Raspberries outdoors after April 29 in Phillips County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 164.0-day growing season in Phillips County is tight for Raspberries (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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 Phillips County, KS?

Phillips County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Phillips County, KS?

Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Raspberries in Phillips County, KS?

In Phillips County, KS, plant Raspberries after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Phillips County, KS for Raspberries?

Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Raspberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Raspberries grow in Phillips County's climate?

Yes — Raspberries grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 10.

🌱

Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 6a). 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 Phillips County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.