When to Plant Squash (Summer) in St. John the Baptist Parish, LA
What to do in May
Your garden in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Collect squash (summer) at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.
At an elevation of 309 feet, St. John the Baptist Parish receives approximately 53.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.
St. John the Baptist Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.1
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 St. John the Baptist Parish
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.1) is more acidic than Squash (Summer) prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. John the Baptist Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Squash (Summer).
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 27 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. John the Baptist 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 — St. John the Baptist Parish, LA
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – Jun 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
284 days in St. John the Baptist Parish
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in St. John the Baptist Parish
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after February 20 in St. John the Baptist Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. John the Baptist Parish dries quickly — mulch Squash (Summer) with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in St. John the Baptist Parish, provide afternoon shade for Squash (Summer) and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 285.0-day season in St. John the Baptist 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 St. John the Baptist Parish, LA?
St. John the Baptist Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. John the Baptist Parish, LA?
St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your St. John the Baptist Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. John the Baptist Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.