When to Plant Acorn Squash in Sangamon County, IL
May in Sangamon County, Illinois — your action list
Your garden in Sangamon County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Start acorn squash under lights
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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.
Sangamon 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 1,204 feet, Sangamon County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season.
Sangamon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Sangamon County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Acorn Squash's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sangamon County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Acorn Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 4.1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.3" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.3" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sangamon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn Squash Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Sangamon 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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1.1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Sangamon County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Sangamon County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after April 15 in Sangamon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Acorn Squash in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon 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 Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Sangamon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sangamon 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.