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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Kandiyohi County, MN

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

Kandiyohi County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 1,354 feet, Kandiyohi County receives approximately 39.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Kandiyohi County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Kandiyohi County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 25

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~632 GDD — county provides 1,805 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Kandiyohi County, MN

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 6
Direct Sow May 16 May 16 โ€“ Jun 6
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Sep 12

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
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

Growing Season

157 days

Growing Tips for Kandiyohi 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 Kandiyohi County, MN?

Kandiyohi County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kandiyohi County, MN?

Kandiyohi County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Kandiyohi County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.