When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Cheyenne County, NE
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
Cheyenne County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 1,108 feet, Cheyenne County receives approximately 26.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Winter) to ensure they mature before fall.
Cheyenne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cheyenne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Cheyenne County, NE
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | August 17 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Cheyenne County
Growing Tips for Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne County, NE?
Cheyenne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cheyenne County, NE?
Cheyenne County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Cheyenne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cheyenne 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.