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When to plant Squash (Summer) in Baldwin County, GA

Baldwin County gardeners should plant Squash (Summer) between March 30 and April 20 in spring. With Baldwin County's Zone 8b climate (last frost March 23), Squash (Summer) needs 45–65 days to mature — plant by September 4 for a full harvest.

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

Baldwin County, Georgia Zone 8b June

This month in Baldwin 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 23
Avg. first frost November 8
Soil temp (4") 78°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.2 hrs

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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.

Baldwin County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 421 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 59 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Baldwin County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Baldwin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Summer) Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Aug 14

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 Baldwin County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Squash (Summer).

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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)

6
successive plantings in your 230-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.

Squash (Summer) Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin 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 ~1,004 GDD — county provides 4,197 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Baldwin County, GA

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest May 25 May 25 – Jul 27

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

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

230 days in Baldwin County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Baldwin County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after March 23 in Baldwin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Baldwin County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Squash (Summer). Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your generous 230.0-day season in Baldwin 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 Baldwin County, GA?

Baldwin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baldwin County, GA?

Baldwin County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 8.

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

In Baldwin County, GA, plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Baldwin 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 Baldwin County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Baldwin County's temperate climate. Baldwin County averages a 230-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 8.

🌱

Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baldwin 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 Baldwin County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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