When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in McDonough County, IL
Your May planting checklist for McDonough County, Illinois
Your McDonough County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Plant out patty pan squash
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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Indoor seed-starting week for patty pan squash
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: patty pan squash
Patty pan squash is a summer squash with a distinctive flying-saucer shape and scalloped edges. It comes in white, yellow, and green varieties with a mild, nutty flavor.
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 738 feet, McDonough County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Patty Pan Squash to ensure they mature before fall.
McDonough County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 McDonough County
How your county's soil matches Patty Pan Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) is within Patty Pan Squash's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in McDonough County is excellent for Patty Pan Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Patty Pan Squash.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Patty Pan Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Patty Pan Squash
Succession Planting Patty Pan Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Patty Pan Squash
Patty Pan 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 | Patty Pan Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in McDonough County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Patty Pan 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.
Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline — McDonough County, IL
Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in McDonough County
Growing Tips for Patty Pan Squash in McDonough County
Direct sow Patty Pan Squash outdoors after April 17 in McDonough County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 183.0-day season in McDonough County allows multiple plantings of Patty Pan Squash. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Patty Pan 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. Harvest when 2-4 inches across for best texture and flavor. Larger fruits become seedy and tough. Very prolific producers in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Patty Pan Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Patty Pan Squash in McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your McDonough County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McDonough County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.