When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Lewis County, WA
Lewis County, Washington gardeners: here's your May plan
Your Lewis County, Washington garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Time to transplant patty pan squash
Your last frost (April 25) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Put patty pan squash seeds straight in the ground
Your soil is 66°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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Time to start patty pan squash inside
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Lewis County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 327 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 37.3 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.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
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 Lewis County
How your county's soil matches Patty Pan Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.2) 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 Lewis County is excellent for Patty Pan Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) — Patty Pan Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Patty Pan Squash
Succession Planting Patty Pan Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 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 | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 6.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lewis 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 — Lewis County, WA
Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 |
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 | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Lewis County
Growing Tips for Patty Pan Squash in Lewis County
Direct sow Patty Pan Squash outdoors after April 25 in Lewis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 182.0-day season in Lewis 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
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Patty Pan Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Patty Pan Squash in Lewis County, WA?
Lewis County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, WA?
Lewis County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lewis County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.