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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Conejos County, CO

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

Conejos County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.

At an elevation of 6,770 feet, Conejos County receives approximately 24.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Conejos County, CO (Zone 4b) Short season
100 days
Last Spring Frost June 9
100 growing days
First Fall Frost September 17

Conejos County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 18 Transplant: Jun 20 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Oct 10
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 28 Transplant: Jun 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 18 – Oct 20
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 11 Transplant: Jul 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 31 – Nov 2

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Squash (Summer) needs ~632 GDD — county provides 1,150 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Conejos County, CO

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 12
Transplant Outdoors June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Jul 14
Direct Sow June 23 Jun 23 โ€“ Jul 14
Harvest August 18 Aug 18 โ€“ Oct 20

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 Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

100 days

Growing Tips for Conejos 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 Conejos County, CO?

Conejos County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Conejos County, CO?

Conejos County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Conejos County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Conejos County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.