When to Plant Squash (Winter) in McMullen County, TX
Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.
McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.
At an elevation of 3,741 feet, McMullen County receives approximately 58 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Squash (Winter) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Winter) root diseases.
McMullen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Winter)
Squash (Winter) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Squash (Winter) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in McMullen County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — McMullen County, TX
Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 17 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
284 days in McMullen County
Growing Tips for McMullen County
Direct sow after last frost on rich mounds. Allow ample space for sprawling vines. Cure harvested fruits in the sun for 10 days before storing in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Winter) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Winter) in McMullen County, TX?
McMullen County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Squash (Winter) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McMullen County, TX?
McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your McMullen County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McMullen 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.