When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Alcorn County, MS
Your May game plan for Alcorn County, Mississippi
Here's what deserves your attention in Alcorn County, Mississippi this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 195 feet, Alcorn County receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Squash (Summer) during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Squash (Summer), but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.
Alcorn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Alcorn County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Alcorn County is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Squash (Summer).
How to Plant Squash (Summer)
Succession Planting Squash (Summer)
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 24 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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Alcorn County). 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 — Alcorn County, MS
Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| 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
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
211 days in Alcorn County
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Alcorn County
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after March 31 in Alcorn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Alcorn County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Squash (Summer). Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 211.0-day season in Alcorn County 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 Alcorn County, MS?
Alcorn County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alcorn County, MS?
Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Alcorn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Alcorn County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.