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When to Plant Acorn Squash in Upshur 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.

Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 51 feet, Upshur County receives approximately 74 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.

Upshur County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Upshur County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.4

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 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 11.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Upshur County, TX

Acorn Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Jul 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

253 days in Upshur County

Growing Tips for Upshur 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Acorn Squash in Upshur County, TX?

Upshur County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Upshur County, TX?

Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.

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Your Upshur County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Upshur 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.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.