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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Spokane County, WA

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.

Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 1,645 feet, Spokane County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.

Spokane County, WA (Zone 6a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Spokane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Jul 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Aug 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 8 Transplant: Jun 26 🍅 Harvest: Aug 14 – Sep 11

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 475 gal / 100 sq ft
Patty Pan Squash needs ~958 GDD — county provides 2,536 GDD Excellent fit

Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline โ€” Spokane County, WA

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 20
Transplant Outdoors May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jun 8
Direct Sow May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 8
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Aug 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

139 days

Growing Tips for Spokane 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 Spokane County, WA?

Spokane County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Spokane County, WA?

Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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