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When to plant Squash (Winter) in Ashdown, AR

Ashdown sits in USDA Zone 8b. Plant Squash (Winter) between March 27 (after last frost on March 20) and April 17.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Ashdown, AR

Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.

Ashdown, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 1,477 feet, Little River County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Winter) root diseases.

Ashdown, AR (Zone 8b) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Ashdown Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Winter)

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

Month Squash (Winter) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Ashdown, AR

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 21

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

237 days in Little River County

Growing Tips for Ashdown

Direct sow after last frost on rich mounds. Allow ample space for sprawling vines. Cure harvested fruits in the sun for 10 days before storing in a cool, dry place.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Ashdown, AR?

In Ashdown, AR, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around March 20) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ashdown, AR for Squash (Winter)?

Ashdown sits in USDA Zone 8b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Winter) grow in Ashdown's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Ashdown's temperate climate. Ashdown averages a 237-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 20 and first frost around November 12.

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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 Little River County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.