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When to plant Kabocha in Waldo County, ME

Plant Kabocha in Waldo County from May 15 to June 5 in spring. Waldo County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around May 8 and first frost on October 6.

When to Plant Kabocha in Waldo County, ME

Kabocha is a Japanese winter squash with an exceptionally sweet, dense, chestnut-like flesh and dark green skin. It is a favorite in Asian cuisine for its rich, dry texture.

Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 966 feet, Waldo County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kabocha to ensure they mature before fall.

Waldo County, ME (Zone 5b) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Waldo County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kabocha Planting Timeline — Waldo County, ME

Kabocha Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 – Jun 5
Direct Sow May 15 May 15 – Jun 5
Harvest August 21 Aug 21 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

151 days in Waldo County

Growing Tips for Waldo County

Direct sow after frost or start indoors. Harvest when the skin is hard and dull. The stem should be dry and corky. Stores well for 3-4 months 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 Kabocha in Waldo County, ME?

Waldo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Waldo County, ME?

Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Kabocha in Waldo County, ME?

In Waldo County, ME, plant Kabocha after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Waldo County, ME for Kabocha?

Waldo County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Kabocha grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kabocha grow in Waldo County's climate?

Yes — Kabocha grows well in Waldo County's temperate climate. Waldo County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Waldo County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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