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When to plant Hubbard Squash in Kit Carson County, CO

Aim to plant Hubbard Squash in Kit Carson County on or after May 16; the window stays open through June 6. Kit Carson County's 152-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option.

When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Kit Carson County, CO

Kit Carson County, Colorado Zone 6a June

Your June planting checklist for Kit Carson County, Colorado

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost May 9
Avg. first frost October 8
Soil temp (4") 49°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs

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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.

Kit Carson County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.

At an elevation of 6,382 feet, Kit Carson County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season.

Kit Carson County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
152 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
152 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Kit Carson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Hubbard Squash Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 28 – Oct 2
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 4 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Sep 5 – Oct 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 15 Transplant: Jun 3 🍅 Harvest: Sep 16 – Oct 21

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 Kit Carson County

How your county's soil matches Hubbard Squash's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4–8.0) is more alkaline than Hubbard Squash prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Kit Carson County is excellent for Hubbard Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Hubbard Squash.

How to Plant Hubbard Squash

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Hubbard Squash Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 583 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Kit Carson 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 needs ~1,512 GDD — county provides 2,090 GDD Excellent fit

Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Kit Carson County, CO

Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 – Jun 6
Direct Sow May 16 May 16 – Jun 6
Harvest September 5 Sep 5 – Oct 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

100–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

152 days in Kit Carson County

Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash in Kit Carson County

Direct sow Hubbard Squash outdoors after May 09 in Kit Carson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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.

Kit Carson County receives only 23" of rain annually. Hubbard Squash needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Kit Carson County, CO?

Kit Carson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kit Carson County, CO?

Kit Carson County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 8.

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Kit Carson County, CO?

In Kit Carson County, CO, plant Hubbard Squash after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kit Carson County, CO for Hubbard Squash?

Kit Carson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Hubbard Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Hubbard Squash grow in Kit Carson County's climate?

Yes — Hubbard Squash grows well in Kit Carson County's temperate climate. Kit Carson County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 8.

🌱

Your Kit Carson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kit Carson County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.