When to Plant Crookneck Squash in Buffalo County, WI
Top priorities for Buffalo County, Wisconsin gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Buffalo County, Wisconsin this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Direct-sow crookneck squash
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: crookneck squash
- Starting indoors: crookneck squash
Yellow crookneck squash is a summer squash with a curved neck and bumpy, bright yellow skin. It has a buttery flavor and is best harvested young when 4-6 inches long.
Buffalo County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 661 feet, Buffalo County receives approximately 36.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crookneck Squash to ensure they mature before fall.
Buffalo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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 Buffalo County
How your county's soil matches Crookneck Squash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is within Crookneck Squash's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Buffalo County is excellent for Crookneck Squash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Crookneck Squash will thrive.
How to Plant Crookneck Squash
Succession Planting Crookneck Squash
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Crookneck Squash
Crookneck 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 | Crookneck Squash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Buffalo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crookneck 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.
Crookneck Squash Planting Timeline — Buffalo County, WI
Crookneck Squash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
141 days in Buffalo County
Growing Tips for Crookneck Squash in Buffalo County
Direct sow Crookneck Squash outdoors after May 12 in Buffalo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Crookneck 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 on mounds. Pick frequently while small for tender texture. Skin becomes tough and warty on larger fruits. Very productive in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Crookneck Squash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crookneck Squash in Buffalo County, WI?
Buffalo County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Crookneck Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Buffalo County, WI?
Buffalo County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Buffalo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Buffalo County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.