When to Plant Acorn Squash in Bedford County, TN
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.
Bedford County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,527 feet, Bedford County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season.
Bedford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 — Bedford County, TN
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
197 days
Growing Tips for Bedford 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 Bedford County, TN?
Bedford County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bedford County, TN?
Bedford County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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