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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Baxter County, AR

Patty pan squash is a summer squash with a distinctive flying-saucer shape and scalloped edges. It comes in white, yellow, and green varieties with a mild, nutty flavor.

Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.

At an elevation of 587 feet, Baxter County receives approximately 45.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.

Baxter County, AR (Zone 6b) Long season
208 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
208 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Baxter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jun 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 21

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 176 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Patty Pan Squash needs ~840 GDD — county provides 3,328 GDD Excellent fit

Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Baxter County, AR

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 30
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 โ€“ Jul 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
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

208 days

Growing Tips for Baxter County

Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when 2-4 inches across for best texture and flavor. Larger fruits become seedy and tough. Very prolific producers in warm weather.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Patty Pan Squash in Baxter County, AR?

Baxter County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baxter County, AR?

Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Baxter 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 Baxter County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.