When to Plant Acorn Squash in Hill County, TX
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.
Hill County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.
At an elevation of 2,597 feet, Hill County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
Hill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Hill County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–7.7) is more alkaline than Acorn Squash prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Hill County is workable for Acorn Squash. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Acorn Squash.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.8" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.5" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hill County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn Squash Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Hill County, TX
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
252 days in Hill County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Hill County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after March 12 in Hill County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Hill County's clay soil (36% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Acorn Squash. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Acorn Squash in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Hill County, TX?
Hill County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hill County, TX?
Hill County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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