When to plant Squash (Winter) in Scott County, MN
The best window to plant Squash (Winter) in Scott County, is May 8–May 29, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 24; first frost October 9.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Scott 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.
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Scott County receives approximately 39.8 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.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Winter)
Squash (Winter) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Squash (Winter) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Scott County, MN
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Scott 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Scott County, MN?
Scott County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, MN?
Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Scott County, MN?
In Scott County, MN, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, MN for Squash (Winter)?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Winter) grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 9.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.