When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Ben Hill County, GA
Top priorities for Ben Hill County, Georgia gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Ben Hill County, Georgia.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: hubbard squash
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.
Ben Hill County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 261 feet, Ben Hill County receives approximately 56.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Hubbard Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Hubbard Squash, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Hubbard Squash root diseases.
Ben Hill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ben Hill County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Ben Hill County, GA
Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Ben Hill County
Growing Tips for Ben Hill County
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 Ben Hill County, GA?
Ben Hill County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ben Hill County, GA?
Ben Hill County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Ben Hill County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ben Hill County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.