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

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

Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Union County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Union County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
213 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 1 – Aug 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (95 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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 30 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~1,128 GDD — county provides 4,366 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 27
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 โ€“ Aug 3

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 โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

213 days

Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, MS?

Union County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, MS?

Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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