When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Fallon County, MT
Your May planting checklist for Fallon County, Montana
Your garden in Fallon County, Montana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Transplants going out: squash (winter)
- Direct-sowing: squash (winter)
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Fallon County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 6,441 feet, Fallon County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Winter) to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Squash (Winter) successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fallon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-8.3
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 Fallon County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Winter)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–8.3) is more alkaline than Squash (Winter) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fallon County is excellent for Squash (Winter) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Winter).
How to Plant Squash (Winter)
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Fallon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Winter) 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.
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Fallon County, MT
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | September 2 | Sep 2 – Oct 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Fallon County
Growing Tips for Squash (Winter) in Fallon County
Direct sow Squash (Winter) outdoors after May 20 in Fallon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 123.0-day growing season in Fallon County is tight for Squash (Winter) (80.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Squash (Winter) in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Fallon County receives only 20" of rain annually. Squash (Winter) needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Fallon County, MT?
Fallon County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fallon County, MT?
Fallon County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 20.
Your Fallon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fallon County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.