When to Plant Lingonberries in Wicomico County, MD
May to-do list for Wicomico County, Maryland
May is a pivotal month for Wicomico County, Maryland gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.
Wicomico County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 728 feet, Wicomico County receives approximately 48.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Lingonberries during the growing season.
Wicomico County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Wicomico County
How your county's soil matches Lingonberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) 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 Wicomico County is excellent for Lingonberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Lingonberries.
How to Plant Lingonberries
Plant Water Budget
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Wicomico 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 Planting Timeline — Wicomico County, MD
Lingonberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" 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
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Wicomico County
Growing Tips for Lingonberries in Wicomico County
Direct sow Lingonberries outdoors after April 09 in Wicomico County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 206.0-day growing season in Wicomico 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 →
Lingonberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lingonberries in Wicomico County, MD?
Wicomico County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wicomico County, MD?
Wicomico County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Wicomico County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wicomico County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.