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When to Plant Butternut Squash in Waller County, TX

Butternut squash is a popular winter squash with a long neck, small seed cavity, and sweet, nutty orange flesh. It stores exceptionally well for months.

Waller County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 288 days.

At an elevation of 376 feet, Waller County receives approximately 64.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Butternut Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Butternut Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Butternut Squash root diseases.

Waller County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
288 days
Last Spring Frost February 19
288 growing days
First Fall Frost December 4

Waller County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Butternut Squash

Butternut 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 Butternut Squash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering

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

Butternut Squash Planting Timeline — Waller County, TX

Butternut Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 22 Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Outdoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 12
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

288 days in Waller County

Growing Tips for Waller County

Start seeds indoors 3 weeks early or direct sow after frost. Allow 6-8 feet for sprawling vines. Harvest when the skin is hard and uniformly tan. Cure in the sun for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Butternut Squash in Waller County, TX?

Waller County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Butternut Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Waller County, TX?

Waller County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 4.

🌱

Your Waller County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Waller County (Zone 9a). 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 Waller County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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