When to Plant Cranberries in Atlantic County, NJ
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.
Atlantic County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 232 feet, Atlantic County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Atlantic County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.2
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Atlantic County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Atlantic County, NJ
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" 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
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Atlantic County
Growing Tips for Atlantic 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 Atlantic County, NJ?
Atlantic County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atlantic County, NJ?
Atlantic County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Atlantic County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Atlantic County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.