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When to plant Acorn Squash in DeWitt County, IL

DeWitt County's climate puts the Acorn Squash spring window between April 22 and May 13. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Acorn Squash in DeWitt County, IL

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.

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 801 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Acorn Squash to ensure they mature before fall.

DeWitt County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

DeWitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — DeWitt County, IL

Acorn Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Direct Sow April 22 Apr 22 – May 13
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in DeWitt County

Growing Tips for DeWitt County

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Acorn Squash in DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Acorn Squash in DeWitt County, IL?

In DeWitt County, IL, plant Acorn Squash after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DeWitt County, IL for Acorn Squash?

DeWitt County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Acorn Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Acorn Squash grow in DeWitt County's climate?

Yes — Acorn Squash grows well in DeWitt County's temperate climate. DeWitt County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your DeWitt County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for DeWitt 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 DeWitt County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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