When to Plant Acorn Squash in Rains 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.
Rains County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 363 feet, Rains County receives approximately 66.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Rains County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Rains County, TX
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
248 days in Rains County
Growing Tips for Rains 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
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Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Rains County, TX?
Rains County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rains County, TX?
Rains County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Rains County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rains County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.