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Can You Grow Winter Squash in Ohio?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–10b

Ohio last frost

early April

Ohio first frost

late October

Days to harvest

90–120 days

When to plant Winter Squashes in Ohio

Start indoors

Mar 10

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Jul 6 – Aug 5

Dates are approximate, based on Ohio'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 Ohio

Ohio has a humid continental climate. Northern Ohio near Lake Erie is Zone 6a; inland areas are Zone 5b. Four seasons with a productive 6-month growing window.