When to plant Cranberries in Taylor County, KY
Taylor County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Cranberries May 6–May 20 for the single annual harvest; the October 24 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Cranberries in Taylor County, KY
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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.
Taylor County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 2,745 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cranberries root diseases.
Taylor County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Cranberries 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 Taylor County
How your county's soil matches Cranberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) is more alkaline than Cranberries prefers (4.0–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Taylor County is excellent for Cranberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Cranberries.
How to Plant Cranberries
Cranberries Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cranberries
Cranberries needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cranberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Taylor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries 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.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Taylor County, KY
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" 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
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Taylor County
Growing Tips for Cranberries in Taylor County
Direct sow Cranberries outdoors after April 15 in Taylor County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 192.0-day growing season in Taylor County is tight for Cranberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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 Taylor County, KY?
Taylor County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Taylor County, KY?
Taylor County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Cranberries in Taylor County, KY?
In Taylor County, KY, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Taylor County, KY for Cranberries?
Taylor 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 Taylor County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in Taylor County's temperate climate. Taylor County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 24.
Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Taylor 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.