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When to plant Acorn Squash in Brown County, MN

Brown County gardeners should plant Acorn Squash between May 7 and May 28 in spring. With Brown County's Zone 5a climate (last frost April 30), Acorn Squash needs 80–100 days to mature — plant by June 29 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Acorn Squash in Brown County, MN

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.

Brown County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 1,199 feet, Brown County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Acorn Squash to ensure they mature before fall.

Brown County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Brown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Brown County, MN

Acorn Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 – May 28
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

160 days in Brown County

Growing Tips for Brown County

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Acorn Squash in Brown County, MN?

Brown County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brown County, MN?

Brown County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Acorn Squash in Brown County, MN?

In Brown County, MN, plant Acorn Squash after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Brown County, MN for Acorn Squash?

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

Can Acorn Squash grow in Brown County's climate?

Yes — Acorn Squash grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Brown 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.

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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 Brown County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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