When to Plant Raspberries in Thurston County, NE
Raspberries are beloved bramble fruits producing sweet, delicate berries in red, golden, black, and purple varieties. They spread by underground runners and are very productive.
Thurston County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 584 feet, Thurston County receives approximately 31.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Raspberries during the growing season.
Thurston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Raspberries
Raspberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Raspberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Thurston County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Raspberries Planting Timeline — Thurston County, NE
Raspberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
· 24" apart · Rows 72" 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Thurston County
Growing Tips for Thurston County
Provide a trellis for support. Prune summer-bearing types by removing spent canes after harvest. For ever-bearing types, mow all canes in late winter for a single fall crop.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Raspberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Raspberries in Thurston County, NE?
Thurston County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Thurston County, NE?
Thurston County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Thurston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Thurston County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.