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

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

Woods County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 882 feet, Woods County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Woods County, OK (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Woods County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (72 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Aug 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 27

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 Woods County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“7.8) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). 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)

5
successive plantings in your 197-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 22 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,068 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Summer)

Squash (Summer) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Squash (Summer) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Woods County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Squash (Summer) Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Squash (Summer) needs ~880 GDD — county provides 3,152 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 10
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 โ€“ Aug 16

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 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 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

197 days in Woods County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Woods County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after April 12 in Woods County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 197.0-day season in Woods 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.

Woods County receives only 23" of rain annually. Squash (Summer) needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Woods County, OK?

Woods County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Woods County, OK?

Woods County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Woods County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Woods County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.