When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Sherman County, TX
Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
Sherman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 3,372 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 46.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Sherman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.6-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Sherman County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.6–8.1) is more alkaline than Squash (Summer) prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sherman County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Squash (Summer).
How to Plant Squash (Summer)
Succession Planting Squash (Summer)
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sherman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Summer) Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Sherman County, TX
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Sherman County
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Sherman County
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after April 20 in Sherman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sherman County dries quickly — mulch Squash (Summer) with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 181.0-day season in Sherman 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
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Squash (Summer) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Sherman County, TX?
Sherman County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sherman County, TX?
Sherman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 18.
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