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When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Franklin County, WA

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.

Franklin County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,556 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Patty Pan Squash successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Franklin County, WA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Patty Pan Squash Planting Timeline — Franklin County, WA

Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 – May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 – May 11
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Patty Pan Squash in Franklin County, WA?

Franklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, WA?

Franklin County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.

🌱

Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.

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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 Franklin County, WA. 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.