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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Drew County, AR

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

Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 1,158 feet, Drew County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Drew County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Drew County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jul 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (109 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Aug 12

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 65 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~962 GDD — county provides 4,147 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Drew County, AR

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 15
Harvest May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 8a

Growing Season

237 days

Growing Tips for Drew 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 Drew County, AR?

Drew County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Drew County, AR?

Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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