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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Calhoun County, IL

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.

Calhoun County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 731 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.

Calhoun County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Jul 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Jul 25

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 496 gal / 100 sq ft
Patty Pan Squash needs ~761 GDD — county provides 2,769 GDD Excellent fit

Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Calhoun County, IL

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 โ€“ Jul 13

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 Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, IL?

Calhoun County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, IL?

Calhoun County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Calhoun County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Calhoun County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.