When to plant Squash (Winter) in Gordon County County,
Gordon County County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Plant Squash (Winter) between April 13 (after last frost on April 6) and May 4.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Gordon County, GA
This month in Gordon County, Georgia
Welcome to June in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: squash (winter)
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Gordon County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 416 feet, Gordon County receives approximately 48.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Squash (Winter), but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Gordon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Gordon County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Squash (Winter)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Gordon County is excellent for Squash (Winter) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 02 to harvest before frost.
Squash (Winter) Water Budget
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Gordon 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 — Gordon County, GA
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Gordon County
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Gordon County
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after April 06 in Gordon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Gordon County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Squash (Winter). Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Gordon County, GA?
Gordon County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gordon County, GA?
Gordon County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Gordon County County, ?
In Gordon County County, , plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gordon County County, for Squash (Winter)?
Gordon County County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Winter) grow in Gordon County County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Gordon County County's temperate climate. Gordon County County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 30.
Your Gordon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gordon 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.