Blog

When to plant Squash (Summer) in Jefferson County, AR

Spring Squash (Summer) in Jefferson County goes in March 26–April 16, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Jefferson County, AR

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

Jefferson County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 51.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Jefferson County, AR (Zone 8b) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, AR

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 16
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest May 21 May 21 – Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

235 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Jefferson County, AR?

Jefferson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, AR?

Jefferson County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Jefferson County, AR?

In Jefferson County, AR, plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, AR for Squash (Summer)?

Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Squash (Summer) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Summer) grow in Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 9.

🌱

Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jefferson County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.