When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Kansas
Zucchini and yellow squash are the garden's most generous producers. You'll be sharing with neighbors by midsummer.
The Short Answer
Kansas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Kansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kansas | 5b, 6a | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Kansas | 6a, 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Kansas | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Squash (Summer) Planting Schedule for Kansas
Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Squash (Summer) in Kansas
Squash (Summer) in Kansas's Climate
Your warm summers grow spectacular squash. Direct sow or transplant from mid-May. Squash vine borer emerges in late June — monitor stem bases for sawdust-like frass. Many Midwest and mid-Atlantic gardeners plant a second round in early July to replace borer-damaged early plants with clean late-season production.
Soil Considerations for Kansas
Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting squash (summer) outside.
Kansas Climate & Growing Season
Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops. 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 Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 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:
Keep squash (summer) away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026