When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Stone 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.
Stone County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,490 feet, Stone County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
Stone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 Stone County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Squash (Winter)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stone County is excellent for Squash (Winter) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Winter).
How to Plant Squash (Winter)
Succession Planting Squash (Winter)
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 29 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Stone County, AR
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Stone County
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Stone County
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after April 01 in Stone 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 Stone County, AR?
Stone County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stone County, AR?
Stone County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Stone County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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