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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Miller 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.

Miller County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 266 feet, Miller County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Patty Pan Squash root diseases.

Miller County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Miller County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (142 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jun 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jun 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (138 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Jul 14

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 260 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Patty Pan Squash needs ~1,037 GDD — county provides 4,661 GDD Excellent fit

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

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 18
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 18
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

236 days

Growing Tips for Miller 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 Miller County, AR?

Miller County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Miller County, AR?

Miller County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Miller County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Miller County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.