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When to plant Acorn Squash in Pine County, MN

Pine County's 142-day season only supports one Acorn Squash planting per year. Sow between May 24 and June 14 for the best chance at full maturity before September 29.

When to Plant Acorn Squash in Pine 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.

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 538 feet, Pine County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Acorn Squash to ensure they mature before fall.

Pine County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Pine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash

Acorn 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 Acorn Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Pine County, MN

Acorn Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 27

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 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 4a

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Pine County

Growing Tips for Pine 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 Pine County, MN?

Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pine County, MN?

Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.

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

In Pine County, MN, plant Acorn Squash after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Pine County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Acorn Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Acorn Squash grow in Pine County's climate?

Yes — Acorn Squash grows well in Pine County's temperate climate. Pine County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 29.

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Your Pine County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pine 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 Pine County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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