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When to Plant Pumpkin in Kane County, UT

Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.

Kane County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 5,900 feet, Kane County receives approximately 19.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pumpkin successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Kane County, UT (Zone 6a) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Kane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 17 – Oct 5
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 14
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 2 Transplant: Jun 20 🍅 Harvest: Sep 19 – Nov 7

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.

Soil Compatibility in Kane County

How your county's soil matches Pumpkin's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2โ€“8.1) overlaps with Pumpkin's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Kane County is excellent for Pumpkin โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Pumpkin.

How to Plant Pumpkin

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.3″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,166 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Pumpkin needs ~1,794 GDD — county provides 2,572 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Kane County, UT

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 10
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest August 26 Aug 26 โ€“ Oct 14

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1.3"/week ยท 2-3 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

85โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

147 days in Kane County

Growing Tips for Pumpkin in Kane County

Direct sow Pumpkin outdoors after May 13 in Kane County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Pumpkin in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

Kane County receives only 20" of rain annually. Pumpkin needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pumpkin in Kane County, UT?

Kane County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kane County, UT?

Kane County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kane County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kane County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.