When to plant winter squash in zone 7b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Mar 15 · Sow Apr 19 · First harvest Jul 8 · Wrap by Jul 29

Last spring frostApr 5

Start seeds indoorsMar 15

Direct sowApr 19

First harvestJul 8

Last harvestJul 29

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 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 7b?

Winter Squash matures in about 80–110 days from sowing. In zone 7b that means sowing around Apr 19 and first picking around Jul 8.

Will winter squash survive frost in zone 7b?

No — winter squash is frost-sensitive. In zone 7b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 5) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

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