Blog

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

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

Parker County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 4,469 feet, Parker County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Squash (Summer), but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Parker County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Parker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jul 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Aug 16

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 ~921 GDD — county provides 4,003 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 15
Harvest May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jul 22

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 Parker 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 Parker County, TX?

Parker County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Parker County, TX?

Parker County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Parker County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Parker County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.