When to plant Cranberries in McLean County, KY
McLean County's 208-day season only supports one Cranberries planting per year. Sow between April 27 and May 11 for the best chance at full maturity before October 31.
When to Plant Cranberries in McLean County, KY
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.
McLean County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 2,224 feet, McLean County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
McLean County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cranberries Planting Timeline — McLean County, KY
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
208 days in McLean County
Growing Tips for McLean 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 McLean County, KY?
McLean County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McLean County, KY?
McLean County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Cranberries in McLean County, KY?
In McLean County, KY, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McLean County, KY for Cranberries?
McLean County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cranberries grow in McLean County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in McLean County's temperate climate. McLean County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.
Your McLean County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McLean County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.