When to Plant Butternut Squash in Utah County, UT
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.
Utah County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 5,535 feet, Utah County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season.
Utah County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.3
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 — Utah County, UT
Butternut Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
159 days
Growing Tips for Utah 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 Utah County, UT?
Utah County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Utah County, UT?
Utah County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Utah County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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