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When to plant Butternut Squash in Johnson County, MO

Johnson County gardeners should plant Butternut Squash between April 20 and May 11 in spring. With Johnson County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 13), Butternut Squash needs 85–110 days to mature — plant by July 5 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Butternut Squash in Johnson County, MO

Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season.

Johnson County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Johnson County, MO

Butternut 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 July 27 Jul 27 – Aug 31

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
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson County

Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Johnson County, MO?

In Johnson County, MO, plant Butternut Squash after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County, MO for Butternut Squash?

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

Can Butternut Squash grow in Johnson County's climate?

Yes — Butternut Squash grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 6b). 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 Johnson County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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