When to plant winter squash in zone 6b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Mar 30 · Sow May 4 · First harvest Jul 23 · Wrap by Aug 13

Last spring frostApr 20

Start seeds indoorsMar 30

Direct sowMay 4

First harvestJul 23

Last harvestAug 13

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 frost-free days. Winter Squash is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 3 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does winter squash take to grow in zone 6b?

Winter Squash matures in about 80–110 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around May 4 and first picking around Jul 23.

Will winter squash survive frost in zone 6b?

No — winter squash is frost-sensitive. In zone 6b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 20) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full winter squash growing guide →