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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Pulaski 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.

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.

Pulaski County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Pulaski County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Jul 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (104 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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 707 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Patty Pan Squash needs ~722 GDD — county provides 2,695 GDD Excellent fit

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

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ May 7
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Jul 9

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 6b

Growing Season

196 days

Growing Tips for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?

Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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