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When to plant Hubbard Squash in Moultrie County, IL

For Hubbard Squash in Moultrie County, the safe spring window opens around April 21 and closes around May 12. Last expected frost is April 14, first fall frost October 17, giving a 186-day growing season.

When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Moultrie County, IL

Hubbard squash is a large, bumpy-skinned winter squash with dense, sweet, dry flesh ideal for baking and pies. The hard shell allows storage for 6 months or more.

Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 596 feet, Moultrie County receives approximately 30 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Hubbard Squash to ensure they mature before fall.

Moultrie County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Moultrie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Hubbard Squash

Hubbard 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 Hubbard Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Moultrie County, IL

Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 – Sep 15

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
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

100–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Moultrie County

Growing Tips for Moultrie County

Start seeds indoors in short-season areas. Requires ample space and rich soil. Harvest when the skin is very hard and the color is deep. Cure in the sun before storing.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Moultrie County, IL?

Moultrie County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Moultrie County, IL?

Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Moultrie County, IL?

In Moultrie County, IL, plant Hubbard Squash after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Moultrie County, IL for Hubbard Squash?

Moultrie County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Hubbard Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Hubbard Squash grow in Moultrie County's climate?

Yes — Hubbard Squash grows well in Moultrie County's temperate climate. Moultrie County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Moultrie County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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