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When to Plant Delicata Squash in Marion County, OH

Delicata squash is a winter squash with an edible skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for smaller gardens.

Marion County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 733 feet, Marion County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.

Marion County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Delicata Squash Planting Timeline — Marion County, OH

Delicata Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 – Sep 6

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

80–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Marion County

Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest when skin is hard and ivory with green stripes. The thin skin does not need peeling. Stores 2-3 months in a cool place.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Delicata Squash in Marion County, OH?

Marion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, OH?

Marion County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 20.

🌱

Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marion County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.