When to Plant Butternut Squash in Carroll County, MO
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.
Carroll County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 — Carroll County, MO
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, MO?
Carroll County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, MO?
Carroll County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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