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When to plant Lingonberries in Perry County, KY

In Perry County, Lingonberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 13–May 27 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 20 first frost.

When to Plant Lingonberries in Perry County, KY

Perry County, Kentucky Zone 7a July

This month in Perry County, Kentucky

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Perry County, Kentucky this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost April 22
Avg. first frost October 20
Soil temp (4") 73°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.3 hrs

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Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.

Perry County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 3,675 feet, Perry County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lingonberries during the growing season.

Perry County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Lingonberries Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 25

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 Perry County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) is more alkaline than Lingonberries prefers (4.5–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Perry County is excellent for Lingonberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Lingonberries.

How to Plant Lingonberries

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Lingonberries Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Lingonberries

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

Month Lingonberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lingonberries 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.

Lingonberries needs ~13,231 GDD — county provides 2,624 GDD May not mature

Lingonberries Planting Timeline — Perry County, KY

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 – May 27

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Lingonberries in Perry County

Direct sow Lingonberries outdoors after April 22 in Perry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 181.0-day growing season in Perry County is tight for Lingonberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Amend soil with peat and pine needle mulch for acidity. Plant 12 inches apart as a ground cover. Berries ripen in late summer. Requires minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lingonberries in Perry County, KY?

Perry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, KY?

Perry County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Lingonberries in Perry County, KY?

In Perry County, KY, plant Lingonberries after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, KY for Lingonberries?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lingonberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lingonberries grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Lingonberries grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry 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.

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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 Perry County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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