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

In Zone 8b (Baker County County), direct-sow Squash (Summer) between March 12 and April 2 for spring, after the March 5 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Baker County, GA

Baker County, Georgia Zone 8b June

June in the garden — Baker County, Georgia

Welcome to June in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost March 5
Avg. first frost November 21
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
  1. Start harvesting squash (summer)

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

Coming up in July — start thinking about
  • First harvests: squash (summer)

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

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Baker County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Squash (Summer), but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Baker County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21
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Baker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Summer) Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (135 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jul 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (138 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 30

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.

Soil Compatibility in Baker County

How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Baker County is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Summer).

How to Plant Squash (Summer)

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Squash (Summer)

7
successive plantings in your 261-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 to harvest before frost.

Squash (Summer) Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 621 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Squash (Summer) Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Squash (Summer) needs ~1,045 GDD — county provides 4,959 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Baker County, GA

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest May 7 May 7 – Jul 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

261 days in Baker County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Baker County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after March 05 in Baker County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Baker County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Squash (Summer). Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your generous 261.0-day season in Baker County allows multiple plantings of Squash (Summer). Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.

Common pests for Squash (Summer) in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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 Baker County, GA?

Baker County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baker County, GA?

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.

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

In Baker County, , plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Baker 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 Baker County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Baker County's temperate climate. Baker County averages a 261-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 21.

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Your Baker County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baker 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.

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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 Baker County, GA. 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.