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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Walla Walla County, WA

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

Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 3,151 feet, Walla Walla County receives approximately 23.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Walla Walla County, WA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Walla Walla County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Aug 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 702 gal / 100 sq ft
Squash (Summer) needs ~756 GDD — county provides 2,447 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline โ€” Walla Walla County, WA

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 18
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April 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 6b

Growing Season

178 days

Growing Tips for Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla County, WA?

Walla Walla County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walla Walla County, WA?

Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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