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When to plant Spaghetti Squash in Jo Daviess County, IL

Plant Spaghetti Squash in Jo Daviess County from May 1 to May 22 in spring. Jo Daviess County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around April 24 and first frost on October 11.

When to Plant Spaghetti Squash in Jo Daviess County, IL

Spaghetti squash is a winter squash whose cooked flesh separates into pasta-like strands. It is a popular low-carb alternative to pasta.

Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 501 feet, Jo Daviess County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Spaghetti Squash during the growing season.

Jo Daviess County, IL (Zone 5a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Jo Daviess County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti 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 Spaghetti Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spaghetti Squash Planting Timeline — Jo Daviess County, IL

Spaghetti Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 – Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

170 days in Jo Daviess County

Growing Tips for Jo Daviess County

Direct sow on mounds after last frost. Harvest when skin turns golden yellow and is hard. Store in a cool, dry place for 2-3 months. Bake or microwave halves until tender.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Spaghetti Squash in Jo Daviess County, IL?

Jo Daviess County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Spaghetti Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jo Daviess County, IL?

Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Spaghetti Squash in Jo Daviess County, IL?

In Jo Daviess County, IL, plant Spaghetti Squash after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jo Daviess County, IL for Spaghetti Squash?

Jo Daviess County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Spaghetti Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Spaghetti Squash grow in Jo Daviess County's climate?

Yes — Spaghetti Squash grows well in Jo Daviess County's temperate climate. Jo Daviess County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Jo Daviess County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jo Daviess County (Zone 5a). 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 Jo Daviess County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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