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Can You Grow Winter Squash in New Jersey?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a

Grows well here

Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.

Plant zones

3a–10b

New Jersey last frost

mid-March

New Jersey first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

90–120 days

When to plant Winter Squashes in New Jersey

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

Jun 13 – Jul 13

Dates are approximate, based on New Jersey's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Winter Squash

Winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti) are the long-storing hard-skinned squash you plant in spring and harvest in fall. Vigorous, sprawling, and highly productive.

Direct sow or start indoors 4 weeks before last frost; transplant after frost. Give vines room (6-8 ft) or a trellis. Harvest when skin is hard and you can't dent it with a fingernail. Cure in a warm place for 1-2 weeks for long storage.

Full winter squash growing guide →

Gardening in New Jersey

New Jersey has a humid subtropical to continental climate. South Jersey is Zone 7a; North Jersey is Zone 6a-6b. Known for its produce farming — tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries.

See what grows well in New Jersey →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Winter Squash in New Jersey?

Winter squash grows well here with warm summers — it needs heat to mature and set fruit.

What zone is New Jersey?

New Jersey spans USDA Zone 6b (6a, 6b, 7a).

When do you plant Winter Squashes in New Jersey?

Plant Winter Squashes around mid-March (start indoors Feb 14), harvest Jun 13 – Jul 13.