When to Plant Acorn Squash in Lee County, FL
Top priorities for Lee County, Florida gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lee County, Florida this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Collect acorn squash at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: acorn squash
Acorn squash is a small winter squash with dark green, ribbed skin and mildly sweet orange flesh. It is perfect for stuffing and roasting as individual servings.
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Acorn Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.9
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.9) overlaps with Acorn Squash's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lee County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Acorn Squash will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Acorn Squash.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Acorn Squash.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.8" | 3" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.8" | 3.3" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 2.8" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.8" | 2.7" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.8" | 2.5" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn 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.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Lee County, FL
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 31 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Direct Sow | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jun 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Lee County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after January 28 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lee County dries quickly — mulch Acorn Squash with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Acorn 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. Harvest when the ground spot turns orange and the skin is hard. Acorn squash has a shorter storage life than butternut, lasting about 2 months.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Lee County, FL?
Lee County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, FL?
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.