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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Garfield County, UT

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

Garfield County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 117 days.

At an elevation of 5,058 feet, Garfield County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Garfield County, UT (Zone 5b) Short season
117 days
Last Spring Frost May 27
117 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Garfield County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: May 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 22 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 30
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 20 Transplant: Jul 8 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 28

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 339 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Squash (Summer) needs ~715 GDD — county provides 1,521 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Garfield County, UT

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 6
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jun 24
Direct Sow June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jun 24
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 โ€“ Sep 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

117 days

Growing Tips for Garfield 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 Garfield County, UT?

Garfield County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Garfield County, UT?

Garfield County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is September 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Garfield County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Garfield County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.