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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Fayette County, OH

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

Fayette County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 872 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Fayette County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Fayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 9

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.

Soil Compatibility in Fayette County

How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.9โ€“6.7) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Fayette County is excellent for Squash (Summer) โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) โ€” Squash (Summer) will thrive.

How to Plant Squash (Summer)

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Squash (Summer)

4
successive plantings in your 182-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 446 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~1,004 GDD — county provides 3,321 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Fayette County, OH

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 20
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Aug 26

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 Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

182 days in Fayette County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Fayette County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after April 22 in Fayette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 182.0-day season in Fayette County allows multiple plantings of Squash (Summer). Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.

Common pests for Squash (Summer) in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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 Fayette County, OH?

Fayette County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fayette County, OH?

Fayette County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Fayette County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fayette County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.