Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Alabama

Zucchini and yellow squash are the garden's most generous producers. You'll be sharing with neighbors by midsummer.

The Short Answer

In Alabama, squash (summer) planting dates vary by region. In Northern Alabama, your average last frost is around Mar 25 - Apr 10, while Southern Alabama sees its last frost around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Since squash (summer) are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 2 weeks after frost danger has passed. Red clay soils in north, sandy loam in south. Amend with compost for drainage in clay areas.

Alabama Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Alabama you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Alabama 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Central Alabama 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
Southern Alabama 8a, 8b Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Squash (Summer) Planting Schedule for Alabama

Northern Alabama (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Alabama (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Southern Alabama (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Squash (Summer) in Alabama

Squash (Summer) in Alabama's Climate

Your long season supports both summer and winter squash without the season-length anxiety that northern growers face. Spring and fall plantings are both productive. Squash vine borer typically has two generations in warm climates — stagger plantings to ensure some production survives.

Soil Considerations for Alabama

Red clay soils in north, sandy loam in south. Amend with compost for drainage in clay areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting squash (summer) outside.

Alabama Climate & Growing Season

Long growing season. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters allow for fall and winter gardening in southern regions. Squash (Summer) cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.

Growing season length varies across Alabama: Northern Alabama (7a, 7b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 10, while Southern Alabama (8a, 8b) sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. This difference matters for squash (summer) — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

Growing Tips

Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor. Larger squash become seedy and tough.

Companion Planting

Plant squash (summer) alongside these companions for better growth:

Corn Beans Nasturtiums

Keep squash (summer) away from:

Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Squash (Summer) can be grown successfully across Alabama, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Alabama gardeners should plan around a Mar 25 - Apr 10 last frost, while those in Southern Alabama can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Squash (Summer) Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Alabama Planting Calendar All plants for Alabama Squash (Summer) in Alaska Alaska planting dates Squash (Summer) in Arizona Arizona planting dates Squash (Summer) in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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