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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Linn County, OR

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

Linn County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 259 feet, Linn County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Linn County, OR (Zone 8a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Linn County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 17 Transplant: May 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18

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 Linn County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6โ€“6.3) is more acidic than Squash (Summer) prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) 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 186-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 265 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~591 GDD — county provides 1,999 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Linn County, OR

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
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: too_acidic

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

186 days in Linn County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Linn County

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

Your generous 186.0-day season in Linn 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 Linn County, OR?

Linn County is in Zone 8a 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 Linn County, OR?

Linn County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Linn County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Linn County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.