📍 Mineral, IL · Zone 5b · Last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026
✏️ ChangeWhen to Plant Squash in Mineral, Illinois (61344)
Location
Mineral, Illinois
ZIP Code
61344
USDA Zone
5b
Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates
Direct Sow Outdoors
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b
Pro tip: Sow Squash directly outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.
🌿 Plant Details
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
💧
Water
Regular (1 inch/week)
↔️
Spacing
48" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
1" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days
Ready to Plant Squash in Mineral?
Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 14, 2026.
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🤝 Good Companions
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
Full Companion Planting Guide for Squash
See which plants help Squash thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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Common Squash Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Butternut
Tan, pear-shaped winter squash with sweet, orange flesh; the most popular for soups.
Acorn
Small, dark green ribbed squash with dense, mild flesh; ideal for stuffing and baking halves.
Delicata
Striped cream-and-green oblong squash with very sweet, fine-grained flesh; edible skin.
Spaghetti Squash
Pale yellow squash whose cooked flesh pulls into spaghetti-like strands; low-carb pasta substitute.
Hubbard
Large, knobby, blue-gray heirloom winter squash with sweet, dense orange flesh.
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟡 ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow squash to fully mature and cure for 1 month before extracting seeds.
Processing
Scoop seeds, wash off flesh, dry flat for 2 weeks.
Seed Viability
Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Squash cross within the same species. Hand-pollinate early in the morning for guaranteed purity.
Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 2 plants of Squash. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash in Mineral, Illinois? +
In Mineral (Zone 5b), direct sow Squash outdoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026.
What is the last frost date for Mineral, Illinois? +
The average last spring frost date for Mineral, Illinois (ZIP 61344) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.
How long does Squash take to grow? +
Squash typically matures in about 90 days from direct sowing. In Mineral, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 14, 2026 plus 90 days.
Should I start Squash indoors or direct sow in Illinois? +
Squash does best when direct sown outdoors. In Mineral, sow directly around Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Other Plants for Mineral
Growing Squash in Zone 5b
Squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a popular garden vegetable. In Mineral, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Squash grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.