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When to plant Squash (Winter) in Scott County County,

Scott County County gardeners should plant Squash (Winter) between April 22 and May 13 in spring. With Scott County County's Zone 5b climate (last frost April 15), Squash (Winter) needs 120 days to mature — plant by June 19 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Scott 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.

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.9 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.

Scott County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17
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Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Scott County, IA

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Direct Sow April 22 Apr 22 – May 13
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Sep 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

185 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, IA?

Scott County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, IA?

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

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

In Scott County County, , plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Scott County 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 Scott County County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Scott County County's temperate climate. Scott County County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.

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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 Scott County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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