When to plant Acorn Squash in Talbot County County,
In Zone 8a (Talbot County County), direct-sow Acorn Squash between April 8 and April 29 for spring, after the April 1 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Acorn Squash in Talbot County, MD
Your June game plan for Talbot County, Maryland
Your garden in Talbot County, Maryland is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: acorn squash
Acorn squash is a small winter squash with dark green, ribbed skin and mildly sweet orange flesh. It is perfect for stuffing and roasting as individual servings.
Talbot County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 722 feet, Talbot County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season.
Talbot County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Acorn Squash 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 Talbot County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.1) overlaps with Acorn Squash's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Talbot County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Acorn Squash.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
Acorn Squash Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 3.5" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 3.1" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 2.6" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 2.5" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Talbot County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn 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.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Talbot County, MD
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Talbot County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Talbot County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after April 01 in Talbot County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Acorn 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
Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when the ground spot turns orange and the skin is hard. Acorn squash has a shorter storage life than butternut, lasting about 2 months.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Talbot County, MD?
Talbot County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Talbot County, MD?
Talbot County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 8.
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Talbot County County, ?
In Talbot County County, , plant Acorn Squash after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Talbot County County, for Acorn Squash?
Talbot County County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Acorn Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Acorn Squash grow in Talbot County County's climate?
Yes — Acorn Squash grows well in Talbot County County's temperate climate. Talbot County County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 8.
Your Talbot County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Talbot County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.