When to plant Winter squash in Maverick County, Texas, United States

Winter squash can be planted after February 28, when air temperature is consistently in a range between 50°F and 95°F and soil temperature is above 45°F.

Growing Winter squash in Maverick County

Maverick County has on average 98 continious days, suitable for growing Winter squash. Winter squash needs on average between 80 and 110 days to mature and produce harvest.

Growing season for Winter squash in Maverick County is quite short, with only 98 continious days suitable for growing, so it is really important to time your planting activities, and choose varieties with shorter time to harvest requirements.

Winter squash seeds can be planted between February 28 and March 17. Planting before February 28 without any additional protection is not advised because cold streaks can damage or kill off young plant. When planting after March 17, Winter squash will not have enough time to mature and produce harvest.

Growing season extention

In order to maximize chances for a good harvest of Winter squash in Maverick County, some extra steps can be taken to extend growing season.

Start seeds indoors

When starting seeds indoors, it is possible to guarantee best possible conditions for young seedlings. Consistent temperature range, adequate watering and ample light (natural, supplemented with artifitial grow lights) will ensure you have strong and healthy seedlings just in time for transplanting into soil.

It takes 28 days on average for Winter squash to sprout, and grow big enough to be ready for transplanting.

February 28 is on average first day in Maverick County that has required temperatures for young Winter squash seedlings to grow, without worrying about cold damage.

Seeds can be started indoors beween January 31 and February 15, this way they will be ready just in time for transplanting on February 28.

Seedlings started after February 15 might not have enough time to mature and produce harvest.

Use a cold frame

When using a cold frame in a beggining of growing season You can protect young plants from possible temperature drops, this way growing season can start up to 2 weeks earlier.

Use an additional shading

On days, when air temperatures are expected to raise above 95°F, which is in top of tolerable range for Winter squash, consider using additional shading to prevent heat shock.

Table with days suitable to grow vegetables in Maverick County, Texas