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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Chickasaw County, MS

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

Chickasaw County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.

At an elevation of 79 feet, Chickasaw County receives approximately 58.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Squash (Summer), but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Chickasaw County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
223 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
223 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Chickasaw County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jul 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19

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 ~1,004 GDD — county provides 4,069 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Chickasaw County, MS

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 โ€“ Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 22
Harvest May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jul 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

223 days

Growing Tips for Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw County, MS?

Chickasaw County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chickasaw County, MS?

Chickasaw County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Chickasaw County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Chickasaw County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.