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When to plant Squash (Summer) in Coffey County, KS

The best window to plant Squash (Summer) in Coffey County, is April 18–May 9, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 11; first frost October 24.

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Coffey County, KS

Coffey County, Kansas Zone 6b June

Your June game plan for Coffey County, Kansas

Here's what deserves your attention in Coffey County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost April 11
Avg. first frost October 24
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs

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Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.

Coffey County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 466 feet, Coffey County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Coffey County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Coffey County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Summer) Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (69 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (75 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 26

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 Coffey County

How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5–7.7) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Coffey County is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Summer).

How to Plant Squash (Summer)

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

Succession Planting Squash (Summer)

5
successive plantings in your 196-day season

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

Squash (Summer) Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 851 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Summer)

Squash (Summer) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Squash (Summer) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Coffey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Squash (Summer) 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.

Squash (Summer) needs ~839 GDD — county provides 2,989 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Coffey County, KS

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Aug 15

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 Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

196 days in Coffey County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Coffey County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after April 11 in Coffey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 196.0-day season in Coffey County allows multiple plantings of Squash (Summer). Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.

Common pests for Squash (Summer) 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. 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Coffey County, KS?

Coffey County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Coffey County, KS?

Coffey County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Coffey County, KS?

In Coffey County, KS, plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Coffey County, KS for Squash (Summer)?

Coffey County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Squash (Summer) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Summer) grow in Coffey County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Coffey County's temperate climate. Coffey County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Coffey County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Coffey 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.

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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 Coffey County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.