When to Plant Kabocha in Raleigh County, WV
This month in Raleigh County, West Virginia
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Get kabocha in the ground
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Plant kabocha from seed, right in the garden
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: kabocha
Kabocha is a Japanese winter squash with an exceptionally sweet, dense, chestnut-like flesh and dark green skin. It is a favorite in Asian cuisine for its rich, dry texture.
Raleigh County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 3,257 feet, Raleigh County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season.
Raleigh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Raleigh County
How your county's soil matches Kabocha's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Kabocha prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Raleigh County is excellent for Kabocha — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Kabocha.
How to Plant Kabocha
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kabocha
Kabocha needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kabocha Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Raleigh County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kabocha Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Raleigh County, WV
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
85–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Raleigh County
Growing Tips for Kabocha in Raleigh County
Direct sow Kabocha outdoors after May 01 in Raleigh County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kabocha in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after frost or start indoors. Harvest when the skin is hard and dull. The stem should be dry and corky. Stores well for 3-4 months in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kabocha in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kabocha in Raleigh County, WV?
Raleigh County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Raleigh County, WV?
Raleigh County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Raleigh County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Raleigh County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.