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When to plant Mulberries in Pine County, MN

In Pine County, Mulberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 7–June 21 for an 730–1825-day harvest, finishing well before the September 29 first frost.

When to Plant Mulberries in Pine County, MN

Pine County, Minnesota Zone 4a July

Pine County, Minnesota gardeners: here's your July plan

July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Pine County, Minnesota.

Avg. last frost May 10
Avg. first frost September 29
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.2 hrs

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Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.

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 Mulberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Pine County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Pine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Mulberries Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 18

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 Mulberries's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) overlaps with Mulberries's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Mulberries will thrive.

How to Plant Mulberries

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Mulberries Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 15 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Mulberries

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

Month Mulberries 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 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 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.

Mulberries 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.

Mulberries needs ~16,608 GDD — county provides 1,846 GDD May not mature

Mulberries Planting Timeline — Pine County, MN

Mulberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 7 Jun 7 – Jun 21

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Pine County

Growing Tips for Mulberries in Pine County

Direct sow Mulberries 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 Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Plant away from driveways and patios as fallen berries stain. Minimal pruning is needed. Harvest by shaking branches over a tarp. Birds love mulberries so plant extra.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mulberries in Pine County, MN?

Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Mulberries 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 Mulberries in Pine County, MN?

In Pine County, MN, plant Mulberries 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, MN for Mulberries?

Pine County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Mulberries grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mulberries grow in Pine County's climate?

Yes — Mulberries 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.

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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 Pine County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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