Blog

When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Baca County, CO

Hubbard squash is a large, bumpy-skinned winter squash with dense, sweet, dry flesh ideal for baking and pies. The hard shell allows storage for 6 months or more.

Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 4,958 feet, Baca County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Hubbard Squash successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Baca County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Baca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Sep 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Sep 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 31 – Oct 5

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
0.3″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,392 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Hubbard Squash needs ~1,925 GDD — county provides 3,185 GDD Excellent fit

Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Baca County, CO

Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 17
Harvest August 16 Aug 16 โ€“ Sep 20

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 โ€”
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

100โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

182 days

Growing Tips for Baca County

Start seeds indoors in short-season areas. Requires ample space and rich soil. Harvest when the skin is very hard and the color is deep. Cure in the sun before storing.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Baca County, CO?

Baca County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baca County, CO?

Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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