When to Plant Hubbard Squash in New Madrid County, MO
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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.
New Madrid County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, New Madrid County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Hubbard Squash during the growing season.
New Madrid County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 New Madrid County
How your county's soil matches Hubbard Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Hubbard Squash's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in New Madrid County is excellent for Hubbard Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Hubbard Squash.
How to Plant Hubbard Squash
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in New Madrid 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 — New Madrid County, MO
Hubbard Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 |
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 | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
217 days in New Madrid County
Growing Tips for Hubbard Squash in New Madrid County
Direct sow Hubbard Squash outdoors after March 30 in New Madrid 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 New Madrid County, MO?
New Madrid County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Hubbard Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is New Madrid County, MO?
New Madrid County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your New Madrid County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for New Madrid County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.