When to Plant Pumpkin in Hale County, AL
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Hale County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 405 feet, Hale County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pumpkin, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Hale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.5
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
Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Hale County, AL
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
244 days
Growing Tips for Hale County
Direct sow on mounds after last frost. Allow 6-10 feet between plants. Slip a board under developing fruit to prevent rot. Harvest when rind is hard and deep in color.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Pumpkin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pumpkin in Hale County, AL?
Hale County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hale County, AL?
Hale County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hale County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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