When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Sullivan County, NY
Your May game plan for Sullivan County, New York
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Sullivan County, New York.
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Plant out patty pan squash
Your last frost (April 29) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Sow patty pan squash where they'll grow
Your soil is 60°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Sullivan County, New York is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 325 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 42.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Patty Pan Squash to ensure they mature before fall.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
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 Sullivan County
How your county's soil matches Patty Pan Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) 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 Sullivan County is excellent for Patty Pan Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Patty Pan Squash.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). 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 18 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sullivan 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 — Sullivan County, NY
Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Sullivan County
Growing Tips for Patty Pan Squash in Sullivan County
Direct sow Patty Pan Squash outdoors after April 29 in Sullivan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 171.0-day season in Sullivan 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 Sullivan County, NY?
Sullivan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, NY?
Sullivan County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sullivan 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.