Blog

When to plant Squash (Winter) in Clearwater County, MN

Clearwater County's short 136-day growing season means one Squash (Winter) planting between May 29 and June 19. No fall crop in Zone 3b.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Clearwater County, MN

Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.

Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.

At an elevation of 1,074 feet, Clearwater County receives approximately 33.7 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.

Clearwater County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
136 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
136 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Clearwater County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Clearwater County, MN

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors June 5 Jun 5 – Jun 19
Direct Sow May 29 May 29 – Jun 19
Harvest August 28 Aug 28 – Oct 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

📆 Growing Season

136 days in Clearwater County

Growing Tips for Clearwater County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Clearwater County, MN?

Clearwater County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clearwater County, MN?

Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 28.

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Clearwater County, MN?

In Clearwater County, MN, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clearwater County, MN for Squash (Winter)?

Clearwater County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Winter) grow in Clearwater County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Clearwater County's temperate climate. Clearwater County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around September 28.

🌱

Your Clearwater County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clearwater County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clearwater County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.