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When to plant Squash (Winter) in Houston County, GA

Squash (Winter) planted in Houston County between March 16 and April 6 matures in 80–120 days — well before the November 15 first frost.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Houston County, GA

Houston County, Georgia Zone 8b July

July in Houston County, Georgia — your action list

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Houston County, Georgia this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost March 9
Avg. first frost November 15
Soil temp (4") 91°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.9 hrs

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Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.

Houston County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. 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 484 feet, Houston County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Winter) root diseases.

Houston County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Houston County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

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 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Houston County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Houston County, GA

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

251 days in Houston County

Growing Tips for Houston County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Houston County, GA?

Houston County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Houston County, GA?

Houston County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Houston County, GA?

In Houston County, GA, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around March 9) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Houston County, GA for Squash (Winter)?

Houston County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Winter) grow in Houston County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Houston County's temperate climate. Houston County averages a 251-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 9 and first frost around November 15.

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Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Houston County (Zone 8b). 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 Houston County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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