When to Plant Crookneck Squash in Lincoln County, NM
Your May game plan for Lincoln County, New Mexico
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
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Plant out crookneck squash
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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Put crookneck squash seeds straight in the ground
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: 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.
Lincoln County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 5,466 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 16.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Crookneck Squash during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Crookneck Squash will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Crookneck Squash successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.7
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Crookneck Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.7) is more alkaline than Crookneck Squash prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lincoln County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Crookneck Squash will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Crookneck Squash.
How to Plant Crookneck Squash
Succession Planting Crookneck Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lincoln 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 — Lincoln County, NM
Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Crookneck Squash in Lincoln County
Direct sow Crookneck Squash outdoors after May 07 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lincoln County dries quickly — mulch Crookneck Squash with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 155.0-day season in Lincoln County 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.
Lincoln County receives only 16" of rain annually. Crookneck Squash needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Lincoln County, NM?
Lincoln County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, NM?
Lincoln County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.