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When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Rhode Island

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

Rhode Island spans USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Squash (Winter) planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar for Rhode Island

Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Sep 4
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Aug 26

Growing Tips for Rhode Island

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Rhode Island?

Planting dates for Squash (Winter) in Rhode Island depend on your USDA zone. Rhode Island spans zones 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Rhode Island for planting?

Rhode Island contains USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: May 2026.