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When to plant Hubbard Squash in Crow Wing County, MN

For Hubbard Squash in Crow Wing County, the safe spring window opens around May 19 and closes around June 9. Last expected frost is May 5, first fall frost October 3, giving a 151-day growing season.

When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Crow Wing County, MN

Crow Wing County, Minnesota Zone 4a July

Crow Wing County, Minnesota gardeners: here's your July plan

A quick July briefing for Crow Wing County, Minnesota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost May 5
Avg. first frost October 3
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure Moderate
Daylight 15.3 hrs

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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.

Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 783 feet, Crow Wing County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Hubbard Squash to ensure they mature before fall.

Crow Wing County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Crow Wing County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Hubbard Squash Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Sep 2 – Oct 7
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Sep 8 – Oct 13
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: Jun 9 🍅 Harvest: Sep 22 – Oct 27

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 Crow Wing County

How your county's soil matches Hubbard Squash's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–6.7) is within Hubbard Squash's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Crow Wing County is excellent for Hubbard Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Hubbard Squash will thrive.

How to Plant Hubbard Squash

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Hubbard Squash Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 103 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Hubbard Squash

Hubbard Squash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Hubbard Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Crow Wing County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Hubbard 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.

Hubbard Squash needs ~935 GDD — county provides 1,283 GDD Excellent fit

Hubbard Squash Planting Timeline — Crow Wing County, MN

Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 – Jun 9
Direct Sow May 19 May 19 – Jun 9
Harvest September 8 Sep 8 – Oct 13

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July
August
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

100–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

151 days in Crow Wing County

Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash in Crow Wing County

Direct sow Hubbard Squash outdoors after May 05 in Crow Wing County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Hubbard 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

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Crow Wing County, MN?

Crow Wing County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crow Wing County, MN?

Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Crow Wing County, MN?

In Crow Wing County, MN, plant Hubbard Squash after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Crow Wing County, MN for Hubbard Squash?

Crow Wing County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Hubbard Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Hubbard Squash grow in Crow Wing County's climate?

Yes — Hubbard Squash grows well in Crow Wing County's temperate climate. Crow Wing County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 3.

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Your Crow Wing County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Crow Wing County (Zone 4a). 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 Crow Wing County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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