When to Plant Cranberries in Frontier County, NE
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.
Frontier County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 1,066 feet, Frontier County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Frontier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Cranberries
Cranberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cranberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Frontier County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Frontier County, NE
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
· 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
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Frontier County
Growing Tips for Frontier County
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 Frontier County, NE?
Frontier County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Frontier County, NE?
Frontier County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Frontier County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Frontier County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.