When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Caldwell Parish, LA
Top priorities for Caldwell Parish, Louisiana gardeners in April
Your Caldwell Parish, Louisiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for April and why each task matters now.
-
Begin indoor sowing: squash (summer)
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
To set up a strong May, finish these tasks
- 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.
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 334 feet, Caldwell Parish receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Caldwell Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Caldwell Parish
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Caldwell Parish is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 08 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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Caldwell 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 — Caldwell Parish, LA
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Caldwell Parish
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Caldwell Parish
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after March 10 in Caldwell Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Caldwell Parish, provide afternoon shade for Squash (Summer) and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 247.0-day season in Caldwell 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 Caldwell Parish, LA?
Caldwell Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caldwell Parish, LA?
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Caldwell Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Caldwell 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.