Growing Squash (Winter) in Zone 4B

Winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti) needs a long growing season but stores for months after harvest.

Zone 4B has a short growing season — start seeds indoors when possible and use season-extending techniques like cold frames and row covers.

Top Growing Tips

• Needs 80-110 days of warm weather to mature
• Plant in hills with 4-6 feet between them
• Cure in the sun for 10 days after harvest for long storage
• Mulch to keep fruit off wet soil and prevent rot
• Don’t harvest until the stem begins to dry and the skin is hard

Companion Planting

Good companions: corn, beans, radishes, marigolds

Avoid planting near: potatoes

Harvest Timeline

80-110 days from seed

About Zone 4B

USDA Hardiness Zone 4B has an average last spring frost around May 1 and first fall frost around Oct 1. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.