When to plant Squash (Winter) in Winnebago County, IL
Spring Squash (Winter) in Winnebago County goes in May 3–May 24, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Winnebago County, IL
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Winnebago County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 1,318 feet, Winnebago County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
Winnebago County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Winnebago County, IL
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Sep 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Winnebago County
Growing Tips for Winnebago County
Direct sow after last frost on rich mounds. Allow ample space for sprawling vines. Cure harvested fruits in the sun for 10 days before storing in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Winnebago County, IL?
Winnebago County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Winnebago County, IL?
Winnebago County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 12.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Winnebago County, IL?
In Winnebago County, IL, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Winnebago County, IL for Squash (Winter)?
Winnebago County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Winter) grow in Winnebago County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Winnebago County's temperate climate. Winnebago County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 12.
Your Winnebago County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Winnebago County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.