Winter squash planting calendar for USDA Zone 6a

Western NC mountains, southern PA, central OH, northern MO. Average last spring frost May 1, first fall frost October 1 — a 153-day frost-free season.

Zone fit: challenging

Winter squash needs a long season and this zone averages just 153 frost-free days. Start early, use black plastic, and plan for row cover on shoulder-season frosts.

Key dates

Direct-seed outdoors

May 8 – May 29

Expected first harvest

August 23 – September 20

Windows are calculated from your zone's average frost dates. Adjust ±1 week for microclimates, elevation, and your own frost records.

Spacing and soil

Plant spacing: 36″
Row spacing: 72″
Seed depth: 1″
Soil temperature: 70–90°F
Frost tolerance: tender
Days to harvest: 100 days

Grower notes for Zone 6a

Cure fruit at 80–85°F for 10 days after harvest to extend storage. Plant early enough to mature before first frost.

Plant near: corn, beans

Keep away from: potatoes

Other cucurbits for Zone 6a

Same crop, other zones

Track your own plantings

BAU Farm Intelligence turns these windows into per-field tasks — indoor seed-start reminders, transplant dates, harvest projections — using your farm's actual frost history.

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