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

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

Pottawatomie County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 625 feet, Pottawatomie County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Pottawatomie County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Pottawatomie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Sep 4

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 635 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Squash (Summer) needs ~798 GDD — county provides 2,726 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13
Direct Sow April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 13
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 โ€“ Aug 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors 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 6a

Growing Season

188 days

Growing Tips for Pottawatomie 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 Pottawatomie County, KS?

Pottawatomie County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pottawatomie County, KS?

Pottawatomie County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pottawatomie County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Pottawatomie County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.