When to plant Squash (Winter) in Valley County, MT
In Valley County, Squash (Winter) is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 27–June 17 for an 80–120-day harvest, finishing well before the September 21 first frost.
When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Valley 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.
Valley County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 8,293 feet, Valley County receives approximately 23.2 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.
Valley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Valley County, MT
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Oct 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
131 days in Valley County
Growing Tips for Valley 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 Valley County, MT?
Valley County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valley County, MT?
Valley County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in Valley County, MT?
In Valley County, MT, plant Squash (Winter) after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Valley County, MT for Squash (Winter)?
Valley County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Squash (Winter) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Winter) grow in Valley County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Winter) grows well in Valley County's temperate climate. Valley County averages a 131-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 21.
Your Valley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Valley County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.