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

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

Henry County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.

At an elevation of 746 feet, Henry County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Henry County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
172 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
172 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Henry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Sep 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17

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 Henry County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2โ€“7.1) is within Squash (Summer)'s preferred range (6.0โ€“7.5).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Summer).

How to Plant Squash (Summer)

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

Succession Planting Squash (Summer)

4
successive plantings in your 172-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 84 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~798 GDD — county provides 2,494 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 โ€“ May 26
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 26
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Sep 1

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
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

172 days in Henry County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Henry County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after April 28 in Henry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 172.0-day season in Henry 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 Henry County, OH?

Henry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henry County, OH?

Henry County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Henry County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Henry County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.