When to Plant Pumpkin in Dent County, MO
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Dent County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 774 feet, Dent County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.
Dent County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 — Dent County, MO
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 11 |
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 | 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
200 days
Growing Tips for Dent 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 Dent County, MO?
Dent County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dent County, MO?
Dent County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dent County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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