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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Bacon County, GA

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

Bacon County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 165 feet, Bacon County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Squash (Summer), but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Bacon County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 11
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Bacon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jul 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (127 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: May 13 – Jul 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Aug 1

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 69 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~1,210 GDD — county provides 5,566 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Bacon County, GA

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 โ€“ Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 8
Harvest May 13 May 13 โ€“ Jul 15

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 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 8b

Growing Season

253 days

Growing Tips for Bacon 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 Bacon County, GA?

Bacon County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bacon County, GA?

Bacon County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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