Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Georgia

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

The Short Answer

Squash is a cornerstone of the traditional Southern vegetable garden, and Georgia's warm, relatively long growing season makes it one of the easiest and most productive crops a Georgia gardener can grow. Yellow crookneck squash in particular has deep roots in Southern food culture — it's a standard at summer barbecues and church potlucks across the state.

Georgia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Squash (Summer) Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Central Georgia (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

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

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 Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Georgia mountains: direct sow from mid-May after last frost. Piedmont/Atlanta: direct sow from mid-April. South Georgia: direct sow from late March. Georgia's long season allows for both spring and fall plantings. For a fall crop, direct sow in early August for harvest before frost. The Piedmont's clay soil benefits from raised hills or mounds that improve drainage around squash roots. Side-dress with compost when first flowers appear — squash are heavy feeders that deplete nutrients quickly.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Yellow Crookneck is the classic Georgia choice. Straightneck varieties are more uniform for shipping but Crookneck has more flavor. For zucchini, Black Beauty and Dunja are reliable. Tatume, popular in Texas, also grows well in south Georgia. For winter squash, Butternut and Seminole Pumpkin both handle Georgia's heat and humidity well.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Squash vine borer is prolific in Georgia — two generations per year in the southern part of the state. Early detection (check for frass at stem base daily from late May onward) and intervention (slit stem, remove larva, bury stem to re-root) can save plants. Pickle worm tunnels into fruits, especially later in the season. Powdery and downy mildew appear by midsummer on most years — plant early enough that your main harvest comes before peak disease pressure.

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 in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Squash (Summer) in Alabama Alabama planting dates 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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