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

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

Sheridan County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 731 feet, Sheridan County receives approximately 27.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Sheridan County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Sheridan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 8

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 687 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Squash (Summer) needs ~798 GDD — county provides 2,595 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 18
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April 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

179 days

Growing Tips for Sheridan 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 Sheridan County, KS?

Sheridan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sheridan County, KS?

Sheridan County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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