Blog

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Colleton County, SC

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

Colleton County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.

At an elevation of 265 feet, Colleton County receives approximately 58.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96Β°F, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Colleton County, SC (Zone 8a) Long season
248 days
Last Spring Frost March 10
248 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Colleton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 β€” 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Colleton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline β€” Colleton County, SC

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 10 Feb 10 – Feb 24
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 – Apr 7
Harvest May 12 May 12 – Jul 14

Plant 1" deep Β· 30" apart Β· Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

45–65 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

248 days in Colleton County

Growing Tips for Colleton 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Colleton County, SC?

Colleton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Colleton County, SC?

Colleton County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 13.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Colleton 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 Colleton County, SC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.