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When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Roosevelt County, NM

Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.

Roosevelt County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 3,802 feet, Roosevelt County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Squash (Winter) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Squash (Winter) successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Roosevelt County, NM (Zone 7a) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Roosevelt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Winter)

Squash (Winter) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Squash (Winter) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Roosevelt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline โ€” Roosevelt County, NM

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 16
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 โ€“ Sep 19

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

80โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

187 days in Roosevelt County

Growing Tips for Roosevelt 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Roosevelt County, NM?

Roosevelt County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Roosevelt County, NM?

Roosevelt County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Roosevelt County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Roosevelt County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.