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

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

Kane County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 5,900 feet, Kane County receives approximately 19.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Squash (Summer) successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Kane County, UT (Zone 6a) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Kane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 2 Transplant: Jun 20 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Oct 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.

Soil Compatibility in Kane County

How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2โ€“8.1) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Kane County is excellent for Squash (Summer) โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Summer).

How to Plant Squash (Summer)

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Squash (Summer)

3
successive plantings in your 147-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 695 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” 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 โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.3" 3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Kane County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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) needs ~962 GDD — county provides 2,572 GDD Excellent fit

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

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 10
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Sep 16

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

45โ€“65 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

147 days in Kane County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Kane County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after May 13 in Kane County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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.

Kane County receives only 20" of rain annually. Squash (Summer) needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Kane County, UT?

Kane County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kane County, UT?

Kane County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kane County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Kane County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.