When to Plant Acorn Squash in Hardin 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.
Hardin County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 3,095 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
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 — Hardin County, TN
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 |
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 7a
Growing Season
211 days
Growing Tips for Hardin 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 Hardin County, TN?
Hardin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, TN?
Hardin County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hardin County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.