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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Sitka City and Borough, AK

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

Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 1,935 feet, Sitka City and Borough receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Sitka City and Borough, AK (Zone 7a) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Sitka City and Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Aug 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 15 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 16

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 849 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~96 GDD — county provides 327 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Sitka City and Borough, AK

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 18
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

187 days

Growing Tips for Sitka City and Borough

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 Sitka City and Borough, AK?

Sitka City and Borough is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sitka City and Borough, AK?

Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sitka City and Borough gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Sitka City and Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.