When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Tensas Parish, LA
Tensas Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Tensas Parish, Louisiana.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: squash (winter)
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Tensas Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 409 feet, Tensas Parish receives approximately 61.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Winter) root diseases.
Tensas Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 Tensas Parish
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Squash (Winter)'s preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tensas Parish is excellent for Squash (Winter) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Winter).
How to Plant Squash (Winter)
Succession Planting Squash (Winter)
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tensas Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Winter) 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.
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Tensas Parish, LA
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
248 days in Tensas Parish
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Tensas Parish
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after March 09 in Tensas Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Squash (Winter) in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Tensas Parish, LA?
Tensas Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tensas Parish, LA?
Tensas Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Tensas Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tensas 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.