When to plant Cranberries in St. Clair County, MI
Plant Cranberries in St. Clair County during the brief May 18–June 1 window. With 183 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 27.
When to Plant Cranberries in St. Clair County, MI
What to do in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for St. Clair County, Michigan this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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.
St. Clair County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,065 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
St. Clair County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
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 St. Clair County
How your county's soil matches Cranberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.2) 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 St. Clair County is excellent for Cranberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Cranberries.
How to Plant Cranberries
Cranberries Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in St. Clair 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 — St. Clair County, MI
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in St. Clair County
Growing Tips for Cranberries in St. Clair County
Direct sow Cranberries outdoors after April 27 in St. Clair County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 183.0-day growing season in St. Clair 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 St. Clair County, MI?
St. Clair County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Clair County, MI?
St. Clair County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Cranberries in St. Clair County, MI?
In St. Clair County, MI, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is St. Clair County, MI for Cranberries?
St. Clair County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cranberries grow in St. Clair County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in St. Clair County's temperate climate. St. Clair County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 27.
Your St. Clair County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Clair County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.