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When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Gregg County, TX

Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.

Gregg County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 337 feet, Gregg County receives approximately 74.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Squash (Summer) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Squash (Summer) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Squash (Summer) root diseases.

Gregg County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Gregg County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Gregg County, TX

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest May 11 May 11 – Jul 13

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

253 days in Gregg County

Growing Tips for Gregg County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Gregg County, TX?

Gregg County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gregg County, TX?

Gregg County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.

🌱

Your Gregg County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gregg County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Gregg County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.