When to Plant Butternut Squash in Livingston 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.
Livingston County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 515 feet, Livingston County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season.
Livingston 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 — Livingston County, MO
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 |
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 | 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 5b
Growing Season
189 days
Growing Tips for Livingston 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 Livingston County, MO?
Livingston County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Livingston County, MO?
Livingston County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Livingston County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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