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

Plant Squash (Winter) in Webster County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 5. Continue planting through May 26 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Webster 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.

Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 1,065 feet, Webster County receives approximately 30.2 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.

Webster County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6
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Webster County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Winter)

Squash (Winter) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Squash (Winter) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Webster County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Webster County, IA

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 – May 26
Harvest August 4 Aug 4 – Sep 29

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
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

161 days in Webster County

Growing Tips for Webster 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 Webster County, IA?

Webster County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Webster County, IA?

Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 6.

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

In Webster County County, , plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Webster County 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 Webster County County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Webster County County's temperate climate. Webster County County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Webster 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 Webster County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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