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When to Plant Lingonberries in Lincoln County, WI

Lincoln County, Wisconsin Zone 4a April

Your April game plan for Lincoln County, Wisconsin

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lincoln County, Wisconsin this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost May 19
Avg. first frost September 28
Soil temp (4") 42°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure Low
Daylight 13.3 hrs

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Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.

Lincoln County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 1,129 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lingonberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Lincoln County, WI (Zone 4a) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
132 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28
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Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 30

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 Lingonberries's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is more alkaline than Lingonberries prefers (4.5–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Lingonberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Lingonberries will thrive.

How to Plant Lingonberries

48"
Between Plants
72"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Lingonberries

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

Month Lingonberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lingonberries 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.

Lingonberries needs ~9,809 GDD — county provides 1,419 GDD May not mature

Lingonberries Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, WI

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 16 Jun 16 – Jun 30

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Transplant Outdoors
July
August
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

132 days in Lincoln County

Growing Tips for Lingonberries in Lincoln County

Direct sow Lingonberries outdoors after May 19 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 132.0-day growing season in Lincoln County is tight for Lingonberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Amend soil with peat and pine needle mulch for acidity. Plant 12 inches apart as a ground cover. Berries ripen in late summer. Requires minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lingonberries in Lincoln County, WI?

Lincoln County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, WI?

Lincoln County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 28.

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Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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