When to plant Currants in Bates County County,
Plant Currants in Bates County County, between April 30 and May 14 — the only viable window. Zone 6b's short season (199 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Currants in Bates County, MO
Your June planting checklist for Bates County, Missouri
A quick June briefing for Bates County, Missouri gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,397 feet, Bates County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season.
Bates County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Currants 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 Bates County
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Currants's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bates County is excellent for Currants — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Currants.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Currants.
How to Plant Currants
Currants Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Currants
Currants needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Currants Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bates County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Currants 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.
Currants Planting Timeline — Bates County, MO
Currants 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
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Bates County
Growing Tips for Currants in Bates County
Direct sow Currants outdoors after April 09 in Bates County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 199.0-day growing season in Bates County is tight for Currants (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in a sheltered location with morning sun. Prune out wood older than 3 years to encourage new fruiting wood. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Currants in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Currants in Bates County, MO?
Bates County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bates County, MO?
Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Currants in Bates County, ?
In Bates County, , plant Currants after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bates County, for Currants?
Bates County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Currants grows reliably in zones 3a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Currants grow in Bates County's climate?
Yes — Currants grows well in Bates County's temperate climate. Bates County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Bates County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bates County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.