When to Plant Mulberries in Lincoln County, NM
Lincoln County, New Mexico gardeners: here's your May plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Lincoln County, New Mexico this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Transplant mulberries outside
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.
Lincoln County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 5,466 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 16.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mulberries will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mulberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.7) is more alkaline than Mulberries prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lincoln County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Mulberries will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Mulberries.
How to Plant Mulberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lincoln 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 Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, NM
Mulberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Mulberries in Lincoln County
Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after May 07 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lincoln County dries quickly — mulch Mulberries with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 155.0-day growing season in Lincoln County is tight for Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Lincoln County receives only 16" of rain annually. Mulberries needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 →
Mulberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mulberries in Lincoln County, NM?
Lincoln County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, NM?
Lincoln County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.