When to Plant Pumpkin in Cass County, MI
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Cass County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,030 feet, Cass County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.
Cass 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
Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Cass County, MI
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| 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
85–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
171 days
Growing Tips for Cass 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 Cass County, MI?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, MI?
Cass County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cass County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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