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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Rockcastle County, KY

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.

Rockcastle County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,677 feet, Rockcastle County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.

Rockcastle County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Rockcastle County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Jul 31

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 143 gal / 100 sq ft
Patty Pan Squash needs ~958 GDD — county provides 3,467 GDD Excellent fit

Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Rockcastle County, KY

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 14
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Jul 16

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

190 days

Growing Tips for Rockcastle 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 Rockcastle County, KY?

Rockcastle County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rockcastle County, KY?

Rockcastle County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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