When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Concordia Parish, LA
Top priorities for Concordia Parish, Louisiana gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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It's harvest week for squash (summer)
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Concordia Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.
At an elevation of 377 feet, Concordia Parish receives approximately 60.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Concordia Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 Concordia Parish
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) is within Squash (Summer)'s preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Concordia Parish is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 11 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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Concordia 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 — Concordia Parish, LA
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jul 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
252 days in Concordia Parish
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Concordia Parish
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after March 08 in Concordia Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 252.0-day season in Concordia 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 Concordia Parish, LA?
Concordia Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Concordia Parish, LA?
Concordia Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Concordia Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Concordia Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.