When to Plant Acorn Squash in Willacy 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.
Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 1,085 feet, Willacy County receives approximately 65.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Acorn Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
Willacy County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
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 Willacy County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.3) overlaps with Acorn Squash's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Willacy County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Acorn Squash.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Acorn Squash.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 13 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.8" | 2.3" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.8" | 4.4" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.8" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.8" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 2.6" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.8" | 1.8" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Willacy 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 — Willacy County, TX
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 25 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jun 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Willacy County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Willacy County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after February 04 in Willacy County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Willacy County, provide afternoon shade for Acorn Squash and water deeply in the morning.
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 Willacy County, TX?
Willacy County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Willacy County, TX?
Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 22.
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