When to Plant Squash (Summer) in USDA Zone 11a
Top priorities for Zone 11a gardeners in May
Your garden in Zone 11a is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Get the full Zone 11a Garden Planner — free →Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
In Zone 11a, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Zone 11a
Where Is USDA Zone 11a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11a. Click any state to see the Squash (Summer) planting schedule for that location.
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar — Zone 11a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | February 26 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Free Zone 11a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
45–65 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 30 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 42 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Squash (Summer) in Zone
Sow every 5.1 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~364 days). Start Squash (Summer) indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
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Saving Squash (Summer) Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Squash (Summer) in Other Zones
Squash (Summer) by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, plan your Squash (Summer) planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around December 4. Direct sow outdoors around January 1. Transplant seedlings around January 8.
Can Squash (Summer) grow in Zone 11a?
Yes, Squash (Summer) can grow well in Zone 11a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 11a has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Squash (Summer) (45-65 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Squash (Summer) in Zone 11a?
In Zone 11a, expect to harvest Squash (Summer) from February 26 – April 30. Squash (Summer) takes 45-65 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11a is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Squash (Summer)?
Good companion plants for Squash (Summer) include Corn, Green Beans, Radish, Borage. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.