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When to plant Patty Pan Squash in Hendricks County, IN

Plant Patty Pan Squash in Hendricks County from April 23 to May 14 in spring. Hendricks County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around April 16 and first frost on October 19.

When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Hendricks County, IN

Hendricks County, Indiana Zone 6a July

Your July planting checklist for Hendricks County, Indiana

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost April 16
Avg. first frost October 19
Soil temp (4") 80°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs

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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.

Hendricks County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 1,286 feet, Hendricks County receives approximately 32.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.

Hendricks County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Hendricks County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Patty Pan Squash Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Jul 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 1

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 Hendricks County

How your county's soil matches Patty Pan Squash's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Patty Pan Squash's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Hendricks County is excellent for Patty Pan Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — Patty Pan Squash will thrive.

How to Plant Patty Pan Squash

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

Succession Planting Patty Pan Squash

4
successive plantings in your 186-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.

Patty Pan Squash Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 538 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hendricks 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 needs ~840 GDD — county provides 2,976 GDD Excellent fit

Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline — Hendricks County, IN

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors 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

186 days in Hendricks County

Growing Tips for Patty Pan Squash in Hendricks County

Direct sow Patty Pan Squash outdoors after April 16 in Hendricks County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 186.0-day season in Hendricks 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Patty Pan Squash in Hendricks County, IN?

Hendricks County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hendricks County, IN?

Hendricks County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 19.

When should I plant Patty Pan Squash in Hendricks County, IN?

In Hendricks County, IN, plant Patty Pan Squash after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hendricks County, IN for Patty Pan Squash?

Hendricks County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Patty Pan Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Patty Pan Squash grow in Hendricks County's climate?

Yes — Patty Pan Squash grows well in Hendricks County's temperate climate. Hendricks County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 19.

🌱

Your Hendricks County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hendricks 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.

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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 Hendricks County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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