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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Blaine County, NE

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

Blaine County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 694 feet, Blaine County receives approximately 29.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Blaine County, NE (Zone 4b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Blaine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: Jun 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: Jun 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 2

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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 193 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Squash (Summer) needs ~715 GDD — county provides 1,846 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Blaine County, NE

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jun 17
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 17
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 โ€“ Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May 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 4b

Growing Season

142 days

Growing Tips for Blaine 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 Blaine County, NE?

Blaine County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Blaine County, NE?

Blaine County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Blaine County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Blaine County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.