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When to plant Squash (Winter) in Bremer County, IA

Bremer County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Plant Squash (Winter) between May 7 (after last frost on April 30) and May 28.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Bremer County, IA

Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.

Bremer County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 913 feet, Bremer County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Winter) to ensure they mature before fall.

Bremer County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Bremer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Bremer County, IA

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 – May 28
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 – Oct 1

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

160 days in Bremer County

Growing Tips for Bremer 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Bremer County, IA?

Bremer County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bremer County, IA?

Bremer County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Bremer County, IA?

In Bremer County, IA, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bremer County, IA for Squash (Winter)?

Bremer County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Winter) grow in Bremer County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Bremer County's temperate climate. Bremer County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Bremer County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bremer County (Zone 5a). 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 Bremer County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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