When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Clay County, KS
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Clay County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 519 feet, Clay County receives approximately 28 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Clay County, KS
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
192 days
Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, KS?
Clay County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, KS?
Clay County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clay County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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