Blog

When to Plant Blueberries in Benton County, WA

Blueberries

Blueberries are long-lived shrubs producing sweet, antioxidant-rich berries. They require acidic soil and are attractive ornamental plants with fall color and spring flowers.

Benton County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 2,633 feet, Benton County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Blueberries during the growing season.

Benton County, WA (Zone 7b) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
207 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Benton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Blueberries to Grow

5-10 lbs
Average yield per plant
2
Plants per person
4 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 blueberries plants in about 16 sq ft. In Benton County's 207-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Blueberries

Blueberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Blueberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Blueberries Planting Timeline — Benton County, WA

Blueberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

207 days in Benton County

Growing Tips for Benton County

Plant at least two varieties for cross-pollination. Acidify soil with sulfur or pine needle mulch to maintain pH 4.5-5.5. Protect ripening berries from birds with netting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Blueberries in Benton County, WA?

Benton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Blueberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benton County, WA?

Benton County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is October 27.

🌱

Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Benton County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.