When to Plant Acorn Squash in Clatsop County, OR
Your May gardening checklist
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Clatsop County, Oregon.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: acorn squash
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
Acorn squash is a small winter squash with dark green, ribbed skin and mildly sweet orange flesh. It is perfect for stuffing and roasting as individual servings.
Clatsop County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 412 feet, Clatsop County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Acorn Squash during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
Clatsop County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Clatsop County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) is within Acorn Squash's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clatsop County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Acorn Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 8.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.8" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 2.1" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 0.9" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 1.1" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 2.4" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 9.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Clatsop County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn Squash Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Clatsop County, OR
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Clatsop County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Clatsop County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after April 12 in Clatsop County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Acorn Squash in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when the ground spot turns orange and the skin is hard. Acorn squash has a shorter storage life than butternut, lasting about 2 months.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Clatsop County, OR?
Clatsop County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clatsop County, OR?
Clatsop County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is November 4.
Your Clatsop County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clatsop County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.