When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Morris County, NJ
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Morris County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 227 feet, Morris County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
Morris County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Morris County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Squash (Winter) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morris County is excellent for Squash (Winter) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). 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 15 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Morris County, NJ
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Morris County
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Morris County
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after March 29 in Morris 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 Morris County, NJ?
Morris County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morris County, NJ?
Morris County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Morris County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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