When to Plant Crookneck Squash in Bulloch County, GA
May to-do list for Bulloch County, Georgia
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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It's harvest week for crookneck squash
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: crookneck squash
Yellow crookneck squash is a summer squash with a curved neck and bumpy, bright yellow skin. It has a buttery flavor and is best harvested young when 4-6 inches long.
Bulloch County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.
At an elevation of 333 feet, Bulloch County receives approximately 56.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Crookneck Squash during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Crookneck Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Crookneck Squash root diseases.
Bulloch County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Bulloch County
How your county's soil matches Crookneck Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.0) is more acidic than Crookneck Squash prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Bulloch County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Crookneck Squash will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Crookneck Squash.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Crookneck Squash.
How to Plant Crookneck Squash
Succession Planting Crookneck Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 24 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Crookneck Squash
Crookneck Squash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Crookneck Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bulloch County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crookneck Squash 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.
Crookneck Squash Planting Timeline — Bulloch County, GA
Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
262 days in Bulloch County
Growing Tips for Crookneck Squash in Bulloch County
Direct sow Crookneck Squash outdoors after March 06 in Bulloch County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Bulloch County dries quickly — mulch Crookneck Squash with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 262.0-day season in Bulloch County allows multiple plantings of Crookneck Squash. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Crookneck Squash 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. Pick frequently while small for tender texture. Skin becomes tough and warty on larger fruits. Very productive in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
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Crookneck Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crookneck Squash in Bulloch County, GA?
Bulloch County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bulloch County, GA?
Bulloch County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Bulloch County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bulloch 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.