When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Rawlins County, KS
Top priorities for Rawlins County, Kansas gardeners in May
Your garden in Rawlins County, Kansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Move hubbard squash into the garden
Frost risk is low now in Rawlins County, Kansas. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Seed hubbard squash outdoors
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
June prep starts now
- Starting indoors: hubbard squash
Hubbard squash is a large, bumpy-skinned winter squash with dense, sweet, dry flesh ideal for baking and pies. The hard shell allows storage for 6 months or more.
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 795 feet, Rawlins County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season.
Rawlins County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Rawlins County
How your county's soil matches Hubbard Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Hubbard Squash prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rawlins County is excellent for Hubbard Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Hubbard Squash.
How to Plant Hubbard Squash
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Hubbard Squash
Hubbard Squash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Hubbard Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Rawlins County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Hubbard Squash Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Rawlins County, KS
Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | August 28 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 |
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 | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Rawlins County
Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash in Rawlins County
Direct sow Hubbard Squash outdoors after May 01 in Rawlins County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Hubbard Squash in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors in short-season areas. Requires ample space and rich soil. Harvest when the skin is very hard and the color is deep. Cure in the sun before storing.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hubbard Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Rawlins County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Rawlins County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.