When to plant Pumpkin in Otter Tail County, MN
Plant Pumpkin in Otter Tail County during the brief May 25–June 15 window. With 140 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 28.
When to Plant Pumpkin in Otter Tail County, MN
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 571 feet, Otter Tail County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pumpkin to ensure they mature before fall.
Otter Tail County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Otter Tail County, MN
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Oct 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
85–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Otter Tail County
Growing Tips for Otter Tail County
Direct sow on mounds after last frost. Allow 6-10 feet between plants. Slip a board under developing fruit to prevent rot. Harvest when rind is hard and deep in color.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pumpkin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pumpkin in Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Pumpkin in Otter Tail County, MN?
In Otter Tail County, MN, plant Pumpkin after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Otter Tail County, MN for Pumpkin?
Otter Tail County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Pumpkin grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pumpkin grow in Otter Tail County's climate?
Yes — Pumpkin grows well in Otter Tail County's temperate climate. Otter Tail County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 28.
Your Otter Tail County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Otter Tail 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.