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

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

Saguache County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 30 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.

At an elevation of 5,293 feet, Saguache County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Saguache County, CO (Zone 4b) Short season
113 days
Last Spring Frost May 30
113 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Saguache County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 12 Transplant: Jun 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Oct 4
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 18 Transplant: Jun 20 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Oct 10
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 3 Transplant: Jul 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 23 – Oct 25

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 144 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Squash (Summer) needs ~550 GDD — county provides 1,130 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Transplant Outdoors June 20 Jun 20 โ€“ Jul 4
Direct Sow June 13 Jun 13 โ€“ Jul 4
Harvest August 8 Aug 8 โ€“ Oct 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 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

113 days

Growing Tips for Saguache 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 Saguache County, CO?

Saguache County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 30. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saguache County, CO?

Saguache County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 30 and first fall frost is September 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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