When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Adams County, IL
Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
Adams County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,390 feet, Adams County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.
Adams County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Adams County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) is within Squash (Summer)'s preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Adams County is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Squash (Summer) will thrive.
How to Plant Squash (Summer)
Succession Planting Squash (Summer)
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Adams County, IL
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Adams County
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Adams County
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after April 14 in Adams County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 189.0-day season in Adams County allows multiple plantings of Squash (Summer). Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Squash (Summer) in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Level Up Your Garden
Squash (Summer) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Adams County, IL?
Adams County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Adams County, IL?
Adams County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Adams County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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