Blog

When to Plant Butternut Squash in DeWitt County, TX

Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.

DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.

At an elevation of 1,649 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 62.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Butternut Squash during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Butternut Squash root diseases.

DeWitt County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
269 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
269 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

DeWitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Butternut Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in DeWitt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline β€” DeWitt County, TX

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Direct Sow March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 30
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Jul 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

85–110 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

269 days in DeWitt County

Growing Tips for DeWitt County

Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in DeWitt County, TX?

DeWitt County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeWitt County, TX?

DeWitt County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 26.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help DeWitt County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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