Blog

When to Plant Squash (Winter) in Echo, UT

Winter squash includes butternut, acorn, delicata, and hubbard varieties grown to full maturity with hard rinds for storage. They develop sweet, dense flesh.

Echo, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 8,145 feet, Summit County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Winter) during the growing season.

Echo, UT (Zone 5b) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 10
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12
Share this guide:

Echo Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.3

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Squash (Winter) Planting Timeline — Echo, UT

Squash (Winter) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Transplant Outdoors June 24 Jun 24 – Jul 8
Direct Sow June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 8
Harvest September 16 Sep 16 – Nov 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December
Share this guide:

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

94 days in Summit County

Growing Tips for Echo

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌱

Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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