When to Plant Kabocha in Monroe County, IL
Kabocha is a Japanese winter squash with an exceptionally sweet, dense, chestnut-like flesh and dark green skin. It is a favorite in Asian cuisine for its rich, dry texture.
Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IL
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 25 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
193 days
Growing Tips for Monroe County
Direct sow after frost or start indoors. Harvest when the skin is hard and dull. The stem should be dry and corky. Stores well for 3-4 months in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Kabocha in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kabocha in Monroe County, IL?
Monroe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, IL?
Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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