When to plant winter squash in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Mar 4 · Sow Apr 8 · First harvest Jun 27 · Wrap by Jul 18

Last spring frostMar 25

Start seeds indoorsMar 4

Direct sowApr 8

First harvestJun 27

Last harvestJul 18

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 8a?

Winter Squash matures in about 80–110 days from sowing. In zone 8a that means sowing around Apr 8 and first picking around Jun 27.

Will winter squash survive frost in zone 8a?

No — winter squash is frost-sensitive. In zone 8a, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 25) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

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