When to Plant Squash (Winter) in McPherson 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.
McPherson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 850 feet, McPherson County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
McPherson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
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 — McPherson County, KS
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 |
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 6a
Growing Season
191 days
Growing Tips for McPherson 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 McPherson County, KS?
McPherson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McPherson County, KS?
McPherson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help McPherson County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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