When to Plant Acorn Squash in Hertford 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.
Hertford County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 282 feet, Hertford County receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.
Hertford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
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 — Hertford County, NC
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
228 days
Growing Tips for Hertford 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 Hertford County, NC?
Hertford County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hertford County, NC?
Hertford County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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