When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Cross County, AR
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, Cross County receives approximately 53.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Winter) root diseases.
Cross County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Cross County, AR
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
233 days
Growing Tips for Cross County
Direct sow after last frost on rich mounds. Allow ample space for sprawling vines. Cure harvested fruits in the sun for 10 days before storing in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Cross County, AR?
Cross County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cross County, AR?
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cross County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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