When to Plant Butternut Squash in Nevada County, AR
Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.
Nevada County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 226 days.
At an elevation of 1,493 feet, Nevada County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Butternut Squash root diseases.
Nevada County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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
Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Nevada County, AR
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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
85–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
226 days
Growing Tips for Nevada County
Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Butternut Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Butternut Squash in Nevada County, AR?
Nevada County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nevada County, AR?
Nevada County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nevada County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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