When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Cheshire County, NH
This month in Cheshire County, New Hampshire
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Transplant patty pan squash outside
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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Scatter patty pan squash into prepared beds
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: patty pan squash
Patty pan squash is a summer squash with a distinctive flying-saucer shape and scalloped edges. It comes in white, yellow, and green varieties with a mild, nutty flavor.
Cheshire County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 708 feet, Cheshire County receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season.
Cheshire County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.5
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 Cheshire County
How your county's soil matches Patty Pan Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.5) is more acidic than Patty Pan Squash prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cheshire County is excellent for Patty Pan Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Patty Pan Squash.
How to Plant Patty Pan Squash
Succession Planting Patty Pan Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Patty Pan Squash
Patty Pan 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 | Patty Pan Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cheshire County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Patty Pan 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.
Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline — Cheshire County, NH
Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Cheshire County
Growing Tips for Patty Pan Squash in Cheshire County
Direct sow Patty Pan Squash outdoors after May 08 in Cheshire County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 155.0-day season in Cheshire County allows multiple plantings of Patty Pan Squash. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Patty Pan 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. Harvest when 2-4 inches across for best texture and flavor. Larger fruits become seedy and tough. Very prolific producers in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Patty Pan Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Patty Pan Squash in Cheshire County, NH?
Cheshire County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cheshire County, NH?
Cheshire County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Cheshire County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cheshire County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.