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When to Plant Crookneck Squash in Norfolk County, MA

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.

Norfolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 799 feet, Norfolk County receives approximately 42.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Crookneck Squash during the growing season.

Norfolk County, MA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Norfolk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (83 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Jul 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (85 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (81 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 12

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Crookneck Squash needs ~919 GDD — county provides 3,080 GDD Excellent fit

Crookneck Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Norfolk County, MA

Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 22
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Jul 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
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 6b

Growing Season

176 days

Growing Tips for Norfolk 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 Norfolk County, MA?

Norfolk County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Norfolk County, MA?

Norfolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Norfolk County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Norfolk County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.