When to plant winter squash in zone 5a

In zone 5a, the last spring frost usually comes around May 4 and the first fall frost around Oct 3. Here is when to plant winter squash.

Your winter squash calendar for zone 5a

• May 18: Sow winter squash seeds in the bed
• Aug 16: Start picking winter squash

Butternut and acorn store for months. Let vines spill over the bed edge.

Spacing in a raised bed: 1 plant per 2 × 2 ft.

These dates are estimates from the average frost dates for zone 5a. Your local frost dates may be a week or two different. If a late cold snap is forecast, wait a few days.

Winter squash in other zones

• Zone 3a
• Zone 3b
• Zone 4a
• Zone 4b
• Zone 5b
• Zone 6a
• Zone 6b
• Zone 7a
• Zone 7b
• Zone 8a
• Zone 8b
• Zone 9a
• Zone 9b
• Zone 10a
• Zone 10b

See everything to plant in zone 5a →