When to Plant Kabocha in Nance County, NE
Kabocha is a Japanese winter squash with an exceptionally sweet, dense, chestnut-like flesh and dark green skin. It is a favorite in Asian cuisine for its rich, dry texture.
Nance County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 797 feet, Nance County receives approximately 23.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kabocha to ensure they mature before fall.
Nance County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Kabocha
Kabocha needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kabocha Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Nance County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Nance County, NE
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
85–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Nance County
Growing Tips for Nance County
Direct sow after frost or start indoors. Harvest when the skin is hard and dull. The stem should be dry and corky. Stores well for 3-4 months in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kabocha in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kabocha in Nance County, NE?
Nance County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nance County, NE?
Nance County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Nance County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nance 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.