When to Plant Hubbard Squash in Carroll County, MO
May to-do list for Carroll County, Missouri
Here's what deserves your attention in Carroll County, Missouri this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Start hubbard squash under lights
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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.
Carroll County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 Carroll County
How your county's soil matches Hubbard Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Hubbard Squash's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Carroll County is excellent for Hubbard Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Hubbard Squash.
How to Plant Hubbard Squash
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Carroll 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 Planting Timeline — Carroll County, MO
Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Carroll County
Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash in Carroll County
Direct sow Hubbard Squash outdoors after April 13 in Carroll 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hubbard Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hubbard Squash in Carroll County, MO?
Carroll County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, MO?
Carroll County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.