When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Sangamon County, IL
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.
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Sangamon County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season.
Sangamon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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
Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Sangamon County, IL
Hubbard 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 | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 16 |
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 | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
100–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
185 days
Growing Tips for Sangamon 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
Level Up Your Garden
Hubbard Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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