Blog

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Mathews County, VA

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

Mathews County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.

At an elevation of 877 feet, Mathews County receives approximately 45.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Mathews County, VA (Zone 7b) Long season
208 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
208 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Mathews County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Aug 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (82 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (85 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Aug 25

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 135 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~962 GDD — county provides 3,640 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Mathews County, VA

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ May 7
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Aug 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

208 days

Growing Tips for Mathews 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 Mathews County, VA?

Mathews County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mathews County, VA?

Mathews County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is November 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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