When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Tennessee
Zucchini and yellow squash are the garden's most generous producers. You'll be sharing with neighbors by midsummer.
The Short Answer
Tennessee Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Tennessee you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee | 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Middle Tennessee | 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| West Tennessee | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Squash (Summer) Planting Schedule for Tennessee
East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Squash (Summer) in Tennessee
Squash (Summer) in Tennessee'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 Tennessee
Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting squash (summer) outside.
Tennessee Climate & Growing Season
Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of 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 Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. 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