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

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

Humphreys County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.

At an elevation of 303 feet, Humphreys County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, 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.

Humphreys County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
257 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
257 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Humphreys County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (127 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jul 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jul 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 29

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 127 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~1,086 GDD — county provides 5,075 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 โ€“ Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest May 8 May 8 โ€“ Jul 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 8a

Growing Season

257 days

Growing Tips for Humphreys 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 Humphreys County, MS?

Humphreys County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Humphreys County, MS?

Humphreys County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Humphreys County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Humphreys County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.