When to plant Squash (Summer) in Black Hawk County, IA
For Black Hawk County, gardeners: plant Squash (Summer) May 6 through May 27 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Black Hawk County, IA
Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 1,380 feet, Black Hawk County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.
Black Hawk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Black Hawk County, IA
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Black Hawk County
Growing Tips for Black Hawk County
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Summer) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Black Hawk County, IA?
In Black Hawk County, IA, plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Black Hawk County, IA for Squash (Summer)?
Black Hawk County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Squash (Summer) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Squash (Summer) grow in Black Hawk County's climate?
Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Black Hawk County's temperate climate. Black Hawk County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 7.
Your Black Hawk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Black Hawk County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.