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

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Feb 22 · Sow Mar 29 · First harvest Jun 17 · Wrap by Jul 8

Last spring frostMar 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 22

Direct sowMar 29

First harvestJun 17

Last harvestJul 8

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Winter Squash matures in about 80–110 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Mar 29 and first picking around Jun 17.

Will winter squash survive frost in zone 8b?

No — winter squash is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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