When to plant Squash (Winter) in Cedar County, IA
Squash (Winter) planted in Cedar County between April 24 and May 15 matures in 80–120 days — well before the October 16 first frost.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Cedar 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.
Cedar County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Cedar County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.
Cedar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Cedar County, IA
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Cedar County
Growing Tips for Cedar 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 Cedar County, IA?
Cedar County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cedar County, IA?
Cedar County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Cedar County, IA?
In Cedar County, IA, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cedar County, IA for Squash (Winter)?
Cedar 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 Cedar County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Cedar County's temperate climate. Cedar County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.
Your Cedar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cedar 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.