When to plant Squash (Winter) in Bodega, CA
Plant Squash (Winter) in Bodega, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 26. Continue planting through March 19 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Bodega, CA
This month in Sonoma County, California
Your garden in Sonoma County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Bodega, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 91 feet, Sonoma County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Squash (Winter) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Bodega Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Winter) 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 Bodega
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Squash (Winter)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sonoma County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Squash (Winter) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Squash (Winter).
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Winter).
How to Plant Squash (Winter)
Succession Planting Squash (Winter)
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Squash (Winter) Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Sonoma County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Winter) 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.
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Bodega, CA
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Sonoma County
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Bodega
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after February 26 in Sonoma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sonoma County dries quickly — mulch Squash (Winter) with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Squash (Winter) 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 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
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Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Bodega, CA?
In Bodega, CA, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around February 26) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bodega, CA for Squash (Winter)?
Bodega sits in USDA Zone 9b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Winter) grow in Bodega's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Bodega's temperate climate. Bodega averages a 274-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 26 and first frost around November 26.
Your Sonoma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sonoma County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.