When to Plant Acorn Squash in King County, TX
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.
King County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 3,170 feet, King County receives approximately 60.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Acorn Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Acorn Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Acorn Squash root diseases.
King County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn 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 | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in King County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — King County, TX
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 |
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 | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in King County
Growing Tips for King County
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 King County, TX?
King County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is King County, TX?
King County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your King County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for King County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.