When to Plant Crookneck Squash in St. Martin Parish, LA
May to-do list for St. Martin Parish, Louisiana
Your St. Martin Parish, Louisiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Collect crookneck squash at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Yellow crookneck squash is a summer squash with a curved neck and bumpy, bright yellow skin. It has a buttery flavor and is best harvested young when 4-6 inches long.
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 417 feet, St. Martin Parish receives approximately 55.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Crookneck Squash may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Crookneck Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Crookneck Squash root diseases.
St. Martin Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6
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. Martin Parish
How your county's soil matches Crookneck Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.0) is more acidic than Crookneck Squash prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Martin Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Crookneck Squash will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Crookneck Squash.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Crookneck Squash.
How to Plant Crookneck Squash
Succession Planting Crookneck Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 06 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Crookneck Squash
Crookneck Squash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Crookneck Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Martin Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crookneck Squash 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.
Crookneck Squash Planting Timeline — St. Martin Parish, LA
Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
295 days in St. Martin Parish
Growing Tips for Crookneck Squash in St. Martin Parish
Direct sow Crookneck Squash outdoors after February 13 in St. Martin Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Martin Parish dries quickly — mulch Crookneck Squash with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in St. Martin Parish, provide afternoon shade for Crookneck Squash and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 296.0-day season in St. Martin Parish allows multiple plantings of Crookneck Squash. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Crookneck Squash 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. Pick frequently while small for tender texture. Skin becomes tough and warty on larger fruits. Very productive in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Crookneck Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crookneck Squash in St. Martin Parish, LA?
St. Martin Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Martin Parish, LA?
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your St. Martin Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Martin 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.