When to Plant Patty Pan Squash in Monongalia County, WV
May to-do list for Monongalia County, West Virginia
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Monongalia County, West Virginia.
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Get patty pan squash in the ground
Your last frost (April 30) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Scatter patty pan squash into prepared beds
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Monongalia County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 3,444 feet, Monongalia County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Patty Pan Squash during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Patty Pan Squash root diseases.
Monongalia County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
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 Monongalia County
How your county's soil matches Patty Pan Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.9) overlaps with Patty Pan Squash's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monongalia County is excellent for Patty Pan Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monongalia 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 — Monongalia County, WV
Patty Pan Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Monongalia County
Growing Tips for Patty Pan Squash in Monongalia County
Direct sow Patty Pan Squash outdoors after April 30 in Monongalia County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 170.0-day season in Monongalia 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 Monongalia County, WV?
Monongalia County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Patty Pan Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monongalia County, WV?
Monongalia County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Monongalia County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Monongalia County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.