When to Plant Acorn Squash in Blount 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.
Blount County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 3,707 feet, Blount County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season.
Blount County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Blount County, TN
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
188 days
Growing Tips for Blount 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 Blount County, TN?
Blount County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Blount County, TN?
Blount County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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