When to Plant Winter Squash in New Hampshire
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Apr 5 – Apr 12, then sow outdoors May 10 – May 24, then transplant outdoors May 10 – May 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Salem and as late as May 21 in Berlin.
Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.
Winter Squash Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Nashua | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Concord | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 22 |
| East Concord | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Derry Village | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Dover | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Rochester | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Salem | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Merrimack | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Keene | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Derry | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Portsmouth | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 11 – May 25 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Bedford | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Laconia | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Lebanon | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 16 – May 30 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Windham | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Claremont | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Pelham | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Somersworth | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Londonderry | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Durham | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Hampton | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 11 – May 25 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Berlin | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Exeter | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 11 – May 25 | May 11 – May 18 |
Showing the 24 most populous of 24 New Hampshire cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New Hampshire cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant winter squash in New Hampshire?
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Apr 5 – Apr 12, then sow outdoors May 10 – May 24, then transplant outdoors May 10 – May 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Salem and as late as May 21 in Berlin.
When is the last frost in New Hampshire?
The average last spring frost in New Hampshire ranges from April 21 in Salem to May 14 in Berlin, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do winter squash take to grow?
Winter Squash typically take 80–110 days from planting to harvest. Long season; direct sow after soil warms, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season climates.
Other Crops in New Hampshire
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant winter squash in other states