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

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

Midland County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 1,546 feet, Midland County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Midland County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Midland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.4-8.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jul 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (103 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 17

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 184 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Squash (Summer) needs ~1,292 GDD — county provides 5,616 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 17
Harvest May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jul 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors 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 7b

Growing Season

239 days

Growing Tips for Midland 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 Midland County, TX?

Midland County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Midland County, TX?

Midland County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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