When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Clarke County, AL
Your May gardening checklist
Your garden in Clarke County, Alabama is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Hubbard squash is a large, bumpy-skinned winter squash with dense, sweet, dry flesh ideal for baking and pies. The hard shell allows storage for 6 months or more.
Clarke County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 79 feet, Clarke County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Hubbard Squash, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Clarke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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 Clarke County
How your county's soil matches Hubbard Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Hubbard Squash prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Clarke County is excellent for Hubbard Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Hubbard Squash.
How to Plant Hubbard Squash
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Hubbard Squash
Hubbard Squash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Hubbard Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Clarke County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Hubbard Squash Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Clarke County, AL
Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
248 days in Clarke County
Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash in Clarke County
Direct sow Hubbard Squash outdoors after March 12 in Clarke County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Clarke County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Hubbard Squash. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Hubbard Squash in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors in short-season areas. Requires ample space and rich soil. Harvest when the skin is very hard and the color is deep. Cure in the sun before storing.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hubbard Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Clarke County, AL?
Clarke County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clarke County, AL?
Clarke County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Clarke County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clarke County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.