When to Plant Pumpkin in Bradley County, TN
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Bradley County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 2,838 feet, Bradley County receives approximately 42.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.
Bradley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 — Bradley County, TN
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 3 |
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 | — |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
211 days
Growing Tips for Bradley 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 Bradley County, TN?
Bradley County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bradley County, TN?
Bradley County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bradley County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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