When to plant Squash (Winter) in Sac County, IA
Sac County's spring Squash (Winter) window runs May 2 through May 23. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Sac 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.
Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 1,221 feet, Sac County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Winter) to ensure they mature before fall.
Sac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Sac County, IA
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | August 1 | Aug 1 – Sep 26 |
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 5a
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Sac County
Growing Tips for Sac 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 Sac County, IA?
Sac County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sac County, IA?
Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Sac County, IA?
In Sac County, IA, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sac County, IA for Squash (Winter)?
Sac 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 Sac County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Sac County's temperate climate. Sac County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 8.
Your Sac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sac 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.