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When to Plant Butternut Squash in Lipscomb County, TX

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.

Lipscomb County, Texas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 4,634 feet, Lipscomb County receives approximately 48.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Butternut Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Lipscomb County, TX (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Lipscomb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.7-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 27 – Aug 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 14 – Sep 18

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 384 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Butternut Squash needs ~1,999 GDD — county provides 3,792 GDD Excellent fit

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Lipscomb County, TX

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 15
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Sep 4

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

85โ€“110 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Lipscomb 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

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Lipscomb County, TX?

Lipscomb County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lipscomb County, TX?

Lipscomb County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 19.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lipscomb County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lipscomb County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.