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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Mobile County, AL

Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.

Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 101 feet, Mobile County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Mobile County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Mobile County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Apr 23 – Jun 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jul 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – 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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~1,251 GDD — county provides 6,051 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Mobile County, AL

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 โ€“ Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Mar 31
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 โ€“ Mar 31
Harvest May 5 May 5 โ€“ Jul 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
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€“65 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

266 days

Growing Tips for Mobile County

Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest frequently when fruits are 6-8 inches for best texture. Check plants daily as they grow rapidly in summer heat.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Mobile County, AL?

Mobile County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mobile County, AL?

Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Mobile County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Mobile County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.