When to plant Crookneck Squash in Ontonagon County County,
Ontonagon County County's short 129-day growing season means one Crookneck Squash planting between June 5 and June 26. No fall crop in Zone 4b.
When to Plant Crookneck Squash in Ontonagon County, MI
Your June planting checklist for Ontonagon County, Michigan
A quick June briefing for Ontonagon County, Michigan gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Harden off and plant crookneck squash
Frost risk is low now in Ontonagon County, Michigan. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Put crookneck squash seeds straight in the ground
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: crookneck squash
- First harvests: crookneck squash
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.
Ontonagon County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 502 feet, Ontonagon County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crookneck Squash to ensure they mature before fall.
Ontonagon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Crookneck Squash 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 Ontonagon County
How your county's soil matches Crookneck Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Crookneck Squash's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ontonagon County is excellent for Crookneck Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Crookneck Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Crookneck Squash
Succession Planting Crookneck Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Crookneck Squash 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ontonagon County). 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 — Ontonagon County, MI
Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Direct Sow | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
129 days in Ontonagon County
Growing Tips for Crookneck Squash in Ontonagon County
Direct sow Crookneck Squash outdoors after May 22 in Ontonagon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Crookneck Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crookneck Squash in Ontonagon County, MI?
Ontonagon County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ontonagon County, MI?
Ontonagon County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Crookneck Squash in Ontonagon County County, ?
In Ontonagon County County, , plant Crookneck Squash after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ontonagon County County, for Crookneck Squash?
Ontonagon County County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Crookneck Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Crookneck Squash grow in Ontonagon County County's climate?
Yes — Crookneck Squash grows well in Ontonagon County County's temperate climate. Ontonagon County County averages a 129-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 28.
Your Ontonagon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ontonagon County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.