When to Plant Crookneck Squash in Franklin County, ME
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.
Franklin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crookneck Squash to ensure they mature before fall.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Crookneck Squash Planting Timeline — Franklin County, ME
Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
45–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
137 days
Growing Tips for Franklin 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
Level Up Your Garden
Crookneck Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crookneck Squash in Franklin County, ME?
Franklin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, ME?
Franklin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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