When to Plant Currants in McPherson County, SD
Top priorities for McPherson County, South Dakota gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for McPherson County, South Dakota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Looking ahead to June
- Transplants going out: currants
Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.
McPherson County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 637 feet, McPherson County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Currants to ensure they mature before fall.
McPherson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
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 McPherson County
How your county's soil matches Currants's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.9) is more alkaline than Currants prefers (6.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McPherson County is excellent for Currants — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Currants will thrive.
How to Plant Currants
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Currants
Currants needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Currants Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in McPherson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Currants 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.
Currants Planting Timeline — McPherson County, SD
Currants Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in McPherson County
Growing Tips for Currants in McPherson County
Direct sow Currants outdoors after May 11 in McPherson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 139.0-day growing season in McPherson County is tight for Currants (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in a sheltered location with morning sun. Prune out wood older than 3 years to encourage new fruiting wood. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Currants in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Currants in McPherson County, SD?
McPherson County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McPherson County, SD?
McPherson County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your McPherson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McPherson County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.