Blog

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Camp County, TX

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

Camp County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 285 feet, Camp County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” 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.

Camp County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Camp County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jul 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Aug 10

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~1,045 GDD — county provides 4,617 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Camp County, TX

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 11
Harvest May 16 May 16 โ€“ Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

243 days

Growing Tips for Camp 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 Camp County, TX?

Camp County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Camp County, TX?

Camp County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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