When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Bossier Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Bossier Parish, Louisiana
A quick May briefing for Bossier Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Harvest squash (summer) as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: squash (summer)
Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
Bossier Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Bossier Parish receives approximately 59.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.
Bossier Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
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 Bossier Parish
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) is within Squash (Summer)'s preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bossier Parish is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Summer).
How to Plant Squash (Summer)
Succession Planting Squash (Summer)
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bossier Parish). 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) Planting Timeline — Bossier Parish, LA
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Bossier Parish
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Bossier Parish
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after March 15 in Bossier Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 244.0-day season in Bossier Parish 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Summer) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Bossier Parish, LA?
Bossier Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bossier Parish, LA?
Bossier Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Bossier Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bossier Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.