When to Plant Delicata Squash in Conway County, AR
Your May gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Conway County, Arkansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Delicata squash is a winter squash with an edible skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for smaller gardens.
Conway County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Conway County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.
Conway County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Conway County
How your county's soil matches Delicata Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Delicata Squash's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Conway County is excellent for Delicata Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Delicata Squash.
How to Plant Delicata Squash
Succession Planting Delicata Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Delicata Squash
Delicata 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 | Delicata Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Conway County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Delicata 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.
Delicata Squash Planting Timeline — Conway County, AR
Delicata Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 |
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 | — |
| 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
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
212 days in Conway County
Growing Tips for Delicata Squash in Conway County
Direct sow Delicata Squash outdoors after April 01 in Conway County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Delicata 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
Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest when skin is hard and ivory with green stripes. The thin skin does not need peeling. Stores 2-3 months in a cool place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Delicata Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Delicata Squash in Conway County, AR?
Conway County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Conway County, AR?
Conway County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 30.
Your Conway County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Conway County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.