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When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Seneca County, OH

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.

Seneca County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 1,041 feet, Seneca County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Hubbard Squash to ensure they mature before fall.

Seneca County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Seneca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Sep 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 22 – Sep 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (28 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.

Soil Compatibility in Seneca County

How your county's soil matches Hubbard Squash's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.3โ€“6.7) is within Hubbard Squash's preferred range (6.0โ€“7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Seneca County is excellent for Hubbard Squash โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) โ€” Hubbard Squash will thrive.

How to Plant Hubbard Squash

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 413 gal / 100 sq ft
Hubbard Squash needs ~1,430 GDD — county provides 2,340 GDD Excellent fit

Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Seneca County, OH

Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 23
Harvest August 22 Aug 22 โ€“ Sep 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

100โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

180 days in Seneca County

Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash in Seneca County

Direct sow Hubbard Squash outdoors after April 25 in Seneca County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Hubbard Squash in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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 Seneca County, OH?

Seneca County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Seneca County, OH?

Seneca County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Seneca County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Seneca County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.