When to Plant Mulberries in Northampton County, PA
May in Northampton County, Pennsylvania — your action list
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Harden off and plant mulberries
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.
Northampton County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 354 feet, Northampton County receives approximately 49.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Mulberries during the growing season.
Northampton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.7
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 Northampton County
How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.7) overlaps with Mulberries's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Northampton County is excellent for Mulberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Mulberries.
How to Plant Mulberries
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Northampton 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 — Northampton County, PA
Mulberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Northampton County
Growing Tips for Mulberries in Northampton County
Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after April 20 in Northampton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 187.0-day growing season in Northampton County is tight for Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Northampton County, PA?
Northampton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Northampton County, PA?
Northampton County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Northampton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Northampton 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.