When to Plant Butternut Squash in Ness County, KS
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.
Ness County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 668 feet, Ness County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season.
Ness County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Ness County, KS
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
178 days
Growing Tips for Ness 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 Ness County, KS?
Ness County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ness County, KS?
Ness County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ness County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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