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When to Plant Pumpkin in Accomack County, VA

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

Accomack County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 659 feet, Accomack County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.

Accomack County, VA (Zone 7b) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Accomack County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (41 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 20 – Oct 8

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 Accomack County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4โ€“7.0) overlaps with Pumpkin's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 555 gal / 100 sq ft
Pumpkin needs ~1,717 GDD — county provides 3,266 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Accomack County, VA

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 14
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Sep 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1.3"/week ยท 1-2 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 7b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

195 days in Accomack County

Growing Tips for Pumpkin in Accomack County

Direct sow Pumpkin outdoors after April 16 in Accomack 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.

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 Accomack County, VA?

Accomack County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Accomack County, VA?

Accomack County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Accomack County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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