When to Plant Acorn Squash in Jim Hogg County, TX
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Jim Hogg County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Pick acorn squash
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: acorn squash
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.
Jim Hogg County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.
At an elevation of 4,270 feet, Jim Hogg County receives approximately 59.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Acorn Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
Jim Hogg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Jim Hogg County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) overlaps with Acorn Squash's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jim Hogg County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Acorn Squash.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.8" | 2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.8" | 3.4" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.8" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.8" | 1.4" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jim Hogg 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 — Jim Hogg County, TX
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 9 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
292 days in Jim Hogg County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Jim Hogg County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after February 16 in Jim Hogg County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Jim Hogg County, provide afternoon shade for Acorn Squash and water deeply in the morning.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Jim Hogg County, TX?
Jim Hogg County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jim Hogg County, TX?
Jim Hogg County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Jim Hogg County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jim Hogg County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.