When to plant Squash (Winter) in Phillips County, MT
Phillips County's 126-day season only supports one Squash (Winter) planting per year. Sow between June 1 and June 22 for the best chance at full maturity before September 21.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Phillips County, MT
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°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.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Phillips County, MT
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Oct 12 |
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 | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Phillips 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Phillips County, MT?
In Phillips County, MT, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, MT for Squash (Winter)?
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Winter) grow in Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 21.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.