When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Hot Spring 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.
Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 754 feet, Hot Spring County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
Hot Spring 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.
Soil Compatibility in Hot Spring County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Squash (Winter)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hot Spring County is excellent for Squash (Winter) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Winter).
How to Plant Squash (Winter)
Succession Planting Squash (Winter)
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Hot Spring County, AR
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Hot Spring County
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Hot Spring County
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after March 23 in Hot Spring County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Squash (Winter) 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 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 Hot Spring County, AR?
Hot Spring County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hot Spring County, AR?
Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hot Spring County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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