When to plant winter squash in Vermont
Vermont spans USDA zones 5a–5b, so the right time to plant winter squash shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 6 in Burlington to May 22 in Rutland — below are local dates for 4 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 5b | April 29 | October 15 | May 6 – May 20 |
| South Burlington | 5a | April 29 | October 15 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Rutland | 5a | May 15 | September 27 | May 22 – June 5 |
| Essex Junction | 5a | May 2 | October 11 | May 9 – May 23 |
Winter Squash in Vermont: FAQ
When can I plant winter squash in Vermont?
Across Vermont, the time to direct-sow winter squash spans roughly May 6 in Burlington to May 22 in Rutland, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the winter squash planting date vary across Vermont?
Yes. Vermont publishes 4 cities with their own frost dates, so the right winter squash planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does winter squash take to grow in Vermont?
Winter Squash takes about 85–110 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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