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When to plant Squash (Winter) in Clark County, MO

For Squash (Winter) in Clark County, the safe spring window opens around April 23 and closes around May 14. Last expected frost is April 16, first fall frost October 18, giving a 185-day growing season.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Clark County, MO

Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.

Clark County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 833 feet, Clark County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.

Clark County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Clark County, MO

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 – Sep 17

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Clark County, MO?

Clark County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, MO?

Clark County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Clark County, MO?

In Clark County, MO, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, MO for Squash (Winter)?

Clark County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Winter) grow in Clark County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark 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.

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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 Clark County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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