When to plant Squash (Winter) in Baraga County, MI
In Baraga County, Squash (Winter) is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 26–June 16 for an 120-day harvest, finishing well before the October 2 first frost.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Baraga County, MI
Your June planting checklist for Baraga County, Michigan
Your Baraga County, Michigan garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 575 feet, Baraga County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Winter) to ensure they mature before fall.
Baraga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Winter) 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 Baraga County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Squash (Winter)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Baraga County is excellent for Squash (Winter) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Squash (Winter) will thrive.
How to Plant Squash (Winter)
Squash (Winter) Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Baraga County). 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 — Baraga County, MI
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Baraga County
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Baraga County
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after May 19 in Baraga County 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 Baraga County, MI?
Baraga County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baraga County, MI?
Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Baraga County, MI?
In Baraga County, MI, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baraga County, MI for Squash (Winter)?
Baraga County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Winter) grow in Baraga County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Baraga County's temperate climate. Baraga County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 2.
Your Baraga County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baraga County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.