When to plant Acorn Squash in McLean County, IL
Aim to plant Acorn Squash in McLean County on or after April 25; the window stays open through May 16. McLean County's 183-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Acorn Squash in McLean 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.
McLean County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,024 feet, McLean County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season.
McLean County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — McLean County, IL
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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
183 days in McLean County
Growing Tips for McLean 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
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Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in McLean County, IL?
McLean County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McLean County, IL?
McLean County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Acorn Squash in McLean County, IL?
In McLean County, IL, plant Acorn Squash after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McLean County, IL for Acorn Squash?
McLean 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 McLean County's climate?
Yes — Acorn Squash grows well in McLean County's temperate climate. McLean County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your McLean County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McLean 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.