When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Salem 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.
Salem County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Salem County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
Salem County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Salem County, NJ
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
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 7a
Growing Season
209 days
Growing Tips for Salem 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 Salem County, NJ?
Salem County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Salem County, NJ?
Salem County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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