When to Plant Kabocha in Addison County, VT
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.
Addison County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Addison County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kabocha to ensure they mature before fall.
Addison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Addison County, VT
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | September 3 | Sep 3 – Oct 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
141 days
Growing Tips for Addison 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 Addison County, VT?
Addison County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Addison County, VT?
Addison County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Addison County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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