When to plant Hubbard Squash in Franklin County, MA
Hubbard Squash planted in Franklin County between May 16 and June 6 matures in 100–120 days — well before the October 11 first frost.
When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Franklin County, MA
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.
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,016 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 42.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MA
Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | September 5 | Sep 5 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
100–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin County
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
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Hubbard Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Franklin County, MA?
In Franklin County, MA, plant Hubbard Squash after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, MA for Hubbard Squash?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Hubbard Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Hubbard Squash grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Hubbard Squash grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 11.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.