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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Knox County, IN

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.

Knox County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 735 feet, Knox County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.

Knox County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Knox County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Jul 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Jul 24

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 290 gal / 100 sq ft
Patty Pan Squash needs ~958 GDD — county provides 3,577 GDD Excellent fit

Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Knox County, IN

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 8
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 8
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 โ€“ Jul 10

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

196 days

Growing Tips for Knox 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 Knox County, IN?

Knox County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Knox County, IN?

Knox County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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