When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Waushara County, WI
What to do in May
Your garden in Waushara County, Wisconsin is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Move squash (summer) into the garden
Frost risk is low now in Waushara County, Wisconsin. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Sow squash (summer) where they'll grow
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: squash (summer)
Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.
Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 560 feet, Waushara County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.
Waushara County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 Waushara County
How your county's soil matches Squash (Summer)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) overlaps with Squash (Summer)'s range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Waushara County is excellent for Squash (Summer) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Squash (Summer) will thrive.
How to Plant Squash (Summer)
Succession Planting Squash (Summer)
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Squash (Summer)
Squash (Summer) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Squash (Summer) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Waushara County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Squash (Summer) 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.
Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Waushara County, WI
Squash (Summer) 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 – Sep 3 |
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 | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Waushara County
Growing Tips for Squash (Summer) in Waushara County
Direct sow Squash (Summer) outdoors after April 30 in Waushara County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Squash (Summer) 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. 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Squash (Summer) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Waushara County, WI?
Waushara County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waushara County, WI?
Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Waushara County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Waushara County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.