When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Ohio County, IN
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Ohio County, Indiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Get patty pan squash in the ground
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Time to start patty pan squash inside
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Ohio County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 882 feet, Ohio County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.
Ohio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 Ohio County
How your county's soil matches Patty Pan Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Patty Pan Squash's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ohio 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 (4.6%) — 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 20 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ohio 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 — Ohio County, IN
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Ohio County
Growing Tips for Patty Pan Squash in Ohio County
Direct sow Patty Pan Squash outdoors after April 17 in Ohio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 185.0-day season in Ohio 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 Ohio County, IN?
Ohio County is in Zone 6b 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 Ohio County, IN?
Ohio County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Ohio County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ohio County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.