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When to plant Squash (Summer) in Sherman County County,

Plant Squash (Summer) in Sherman County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 9. Continue planting through May 30 for the spring crop.

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

Sherman County, Kansas Zone 6a June

Top priorities for Sherman County, Kansas gardeners in June

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

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 11
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs
  1. Sow squash (summer) in trays indoors

    Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.

To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: squash (summer)

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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.

Sherman County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 831 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 24.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season.

Sherman County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11
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Sherman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Summer) Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Sep 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17

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 Sherman County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) is within Squash (Summer)'s preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Squash (Summer).

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Squash (Summer) will thrive.

How to Plant Squash (Summer)

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

Succession Planting Squash (Summer)

4
successive plantings in your 162-day season

Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.

Squash (Summer) Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,141 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Sherman 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 ~798 GDD — county provides 2,349 GDD Excellent fit

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Sherman County, KS

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 2-3 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Sherman County

Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Sherman County

Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after May 02 in Sherman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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.

Sherman County receives only 25" of rain annually. Squash (Summer) needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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 Sherman County, KS?

Sherman County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sherman County, KS?

Sherman County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.

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

In Sherman County, , plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

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

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

Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Sherman County's temperate climate. Sherman County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Sherman County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sherman 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 Sherman 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.