When to Plant Acorn Squash in Wood County, WI
May in the garden — Wood County, Wisconsin
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Wood County, Wisconsin.
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Set out acorn squash seedlings
Frost risk is low now in Wood County, Wisconsin. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Put acorn squash seeds straight in the ground
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: acorn squash
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.
Wood County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 1,254 feet, Wood County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Acorn Squash to ensure they mature before fall.
Wood County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 Wood County
How your county's soil matches Acorn Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Acorn Squash's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wood County is excellent for Acorn Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Acorn Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Acorn Squash
Succession Planting Acorn Squash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 25 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Acorn Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 3.2" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 3.5" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.2" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 2.5" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Wood County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Acorn Squash 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.
Acorn Squash Planting Timeline — Wood County, WI
Acorn Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Direct Sow | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 26 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Wood County
Growing Tips for Acorn Squash in Wood County
Direct sow Acorn Squash outdoors after May 09 in Wood County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Acorn Squash 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 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Acorn Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Acorn Squash in Wood County, WI?
Wood County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Acorn Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wood County, WI?
Wood County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Wood County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wood County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.