When to Plant Cranberries in Rich County, UT
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.
Rich County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 5,803 feet, Rich County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cranberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Rich County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.2
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Rich County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Rich County, UT
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
107 days in Rich County
Growing Tips for Rich 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 Rich County, UT?
Rich County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rich County, UT?
Rich County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 15.
Your Rich County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rich 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.