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When to plant Squash (Winter) in Conception Junction, MO

Conception Junction's spring Squash (Winter) window runs April 29 through May 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Conception Junction, MO

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

Conception Junction, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 950 feet, Nodaway County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Winter) to ensure they mature before fall.

Conception Junction, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Conception Junction Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Conception Junction, MO

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors 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 5b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Nodaway County

Growing Tips for Conception Junction

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 →

When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Conception Junction, MO?

In Conception Junction, MO, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Conception Junction, MO for Squash (Winter)?

Conception Junction sits in USDA Zone 5b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Winter) grow in Conception Junction's climate?

Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Conception Junction's temperate climate. Conception Junction averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.

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Your Nodaway County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nodaway County (Zone 5b). 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 Nodaway County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.