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When to Plant Crookneck Squash in Bartholomew County, IN

Yellow crookneck squash is a summer squash with a curved neck and bumpy, bright yellow skin. It has a buttery flavor and is best harvested young when 4-6 inches long.

Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 1,376 feet, Bartholomew County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Crookneck Squash during the growing season.

Bartholomew County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Bartholomew County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Jul 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Jul 31

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 179 gal / 100 sq ft
Crookneck Squash needs ~879 GDD — county provides 3,199 GDD Excellent fit

Crookneck Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Bartholomew County, IN

Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 10
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 โ€“ Jul 12

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

45โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

191 days

Growing Tips for Bartholomew County

Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Pick frequently while small for tender texture. Skin becomes tough and warty on larger fruits. Very productive in warm weather.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Crookneck Squash in Bartholomew County, IN?

Bartholomew County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bartholomew County, IN?

Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bartholomew County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.