When to Plant Butternut Squash in Crawford County, PA
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.
Crawford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 336 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Butternut Squash to ensure they mature before fall.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.8
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
Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Crawford County, PA
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
179 days
Growing Tips for Crawford 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 Crawford County, PA?
Crawford County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, PA?
Crawford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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