When to Plant Currants in Wabaunsee County, KS
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Transplant currants outside
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Wabaunsee County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 660 feet, Wabaunsee County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.
Wabaunsee 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 Wabaunsee County
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.5) is more alkaline than Currants prefers (6.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Wabaunsee County is excellent for Currants — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Currants will thrive.
How to Plant Currants
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Currants
Currants needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Currants Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wabaunsee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Currants 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.
Currants Planting Timeline — Wabaunsee County, KS
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Wabaunsee County
Growing Tips for Currants in Wabaunsee County
Direct sow Currants outdoors after April 18 in Wabaunsee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 183.0-day growing season in Wabaunsee County is tight for Currants (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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 Wabaunsee County, KS?
Wabaunsee County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wabaunsee County, KS?
Wabaunsee County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Wabaunsee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wabaunsee 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.