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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Carter County, OK

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

Carter County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 648 feet, Carter County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Carter County, OK (Zone 7b) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Carter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Aug 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 21

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,507 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Squash (Summer) needs ~1,086 GDD — county provides 4,325 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Carter County, OK

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Harvest May 30 May 30 โ€“ Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
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

219 days

Growing Tips for Carter 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 Carter County, OK?

Carter County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carter County, OK?

Carter County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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