When to Plant Acorn Squash in Pike County, IN
May in the garden — Pike County, Indiana
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Pike County, Indiana.
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Begin indoor sowing: acorn squash
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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.
Pike County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,360 feet, Pike County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 Pike County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Acorn Squash's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pike County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Acorn Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.4" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.6" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 3.7" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.4" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 2.6" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pike 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 — Pike County, IN
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Pike County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after April 09 in Pike 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 Pike County, IN?
Pike County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, IN?
Pike County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pike County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.