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When to plant Squash (Summer) in Orange County County,

For Orange County County, gardeners: plant Squash (Summer) February 3 through February 24 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Orange County, FL

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

Orange County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.

At an elevation of 494 feet, Orange County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Orange County, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
321 days
Last Spring Frost February 3
321 growing days
First Fall Frost December 21
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Orange County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Orange County, FL

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 6 Jan 6 – Jan 20
Transplant Outdoors February 10 Feb 10 – Feb 24
Direct Sow February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 24
Harvest March 31 Mar 31 – Jun 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October
November
December
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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 10a

📆 Growing Season

321 days in Orange County

Growing Tips for Orange 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 Orange County, FL?

Orange County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Orange County, FL?

Orange County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 21.

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

In Orange County County, , plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around February 3) and before the first frost (around December 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Orange County County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Squash (Summer) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

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

Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Orange County County's temperate climate. Orange County County averages a 322-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 3 and first frost around December 21.

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Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Orange County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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