Blog

When to plant Butternut Squash in Red River Parish County,

For Red River Parish County, gardeners: plant Butternut Squash March 15 through April 5 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Butternut Squash in Red River Parish, LA

Red River Parish, Louisiana Zone 8b June

Red River Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your June plan

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Red River Parish, Louisiana this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost March 8
Avg. first frost November 16
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.1 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for butternut squash

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
  • First harvests: butternut squash

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.

Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 477 feet, Red River Parish receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Butternut Squash root diseases.

Red River Parish, LA (Zone 8b) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Red River Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Butternut Squash

Butternut 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 Butternut Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Red River Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Red River Parish, LA

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

253 days in Red River Parish

Growing Tips for Red River Parish

Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Red River Parish, LA?

Red River Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Red River Parish, LA?

Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 16.

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Red River Parish County, ?

In Red River Parish County, , plant Butternut Squash after the last frost (around March 8) and before the first frost (around November 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Red River Parish County, for Butternut Squash?

Red River Parish County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Butternut Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Butternut Squash grow in Red River Parish County's climate?

Yes — Butternut Squash grows well in Red River Parish County's temperate climate. Red River Parish County averages a 253-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 8 and first frost around November 16.

🌱

Your Red River Parish Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Red River Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Red River Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.