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

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

Stafford County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.

At an elevation of 965 feet, Stafford County receives approximately 25.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Stafford County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
188 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
188 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Stafford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Sep 3

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 716 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~921 GDD — county provides 3,149 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 14
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Aug 20

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 Stafford 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 Stafford County, KS?

Stafford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stafford County, KS?

Stafford County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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