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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Nemaha County, KS

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

Nemaha County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 665 feet, Nemaha County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Nemaha County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Nemaha County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (41 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 14

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 842 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Squash (Summer) needs ~756 GDD — county provides 2,337 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Nemaha County, KS

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 21
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 โ€“ Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

170 days

Growing Tips for Nemaha 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 Nemaha County, KS?

Nemaha County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nemaha County, KS?

Nemaha County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Nemaha County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Nemaha County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.