When to Plant Acorn Squash in Alamance County, NC
Acorn squash is a small winter squash with dark green, ribbed skin and mildly sweet orange flesh. It is perfect for stuffing and roasting as individual servings.
Alamance County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 571 feet, Alamance County receives approximately 42.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Acorn Squash, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Alamance County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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.
Plant Water Budget
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Alamance County, NC
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–100 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
215 days
Growing Tips for Alamance County
Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when the ground spot turns orange and the skin is hard. Acorn squash has a shorter storage life than butternut, lasting about 2 months.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Alamance County, NC?
Alamance County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alamance County, NC?
Alamance County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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