When to plant Cranberries in Pine County County,
In Pine County County, Cranberries is a spring-only crop. Plant June 7–June 21 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Cranberries in Pine County, MN
June to-do list for Pine County, Minnesota
Here's what deserves your attention in Pine County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 4a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Move cranberries from tray to bed
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 538 feet, Pine County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Pine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 Pine County
How your county's soil matches Cranberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) 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 Pine County is excellent for Cranberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Cranberries will thrive.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pine 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 — Pine County, MN
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Pine County
Growing Tips for Cranberries in Pine County
Direct sow Cranberries outdoors after May 10 in Pine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 142.0-day growing season in Pine 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 Pine County, MN?
Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pine County, MN?
Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Cranberries in Pine County, ?
In Pine County, , plant Cranberries after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pine County, for Cranberries?
Pine County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cranberries grow in Pine County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in Pine County's temperate climate. Pine County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 29.
Your Pine County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pine County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.