When to Plant Acorn Squash in Jefferson Davis County, MS
May in the garden — Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: acorn squash
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.
Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 126 feet, Jefferson Davis County receives approximately 59.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Acorn Squash, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
Jefferson Davis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Jefferson Davis County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) is within Acorn Squash's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Jefferson Davis County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Acorn Squash.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.8" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4.1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 4.7" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jefferson Davis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn 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.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Jefferson Davis County, MS
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Jefferson Davis County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Jefferson Davis County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after March 08 in Jefferson Davis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Jefferson Davis County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Acorn Squash. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Acorn 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
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
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Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Jefferson Davis County, MS?
Jefferson Davis County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson Davis County, MS?
Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 19.
Your Jefferson Davis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson Davis County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.