Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Wyoming

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

The Short Answer

In Wyoming, squash (summer) planting dates vary by region. In Eastern Wyoming, your average last frost is around May 10 - May 30, while Southern Wyoming sees its last frost around May 15 - Jun 1. 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. Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant challenge. Heavy...

Wyoming Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Eastern Wyoming 4a, 4b, 5a May 10 - May 30 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Western Wyoming 3a, 3b, 4a May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Wyoming 4b, 5a, 5b May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 5 - Sep 20

Squash (Summer) Planting Schedule for Wyoming

Eastern Wyoming (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 30 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

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

Western Wyoming (Zones 3a, 3b, 4a)

Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15

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

Southern Wyoming (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

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

Growing Squash (Summer) in Wyoming

Squash (Summer) in Wyoming's Climate

Summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash) is one of the most productive crops for short-season gardens — 45-60 day maturity means even 100-day seasons produce abundant harvests. Direct sow after soil reaches 60°F. Two or three plants produce more squash than most families can eat. Squash vine borer is less prevalent in cold zones, reducing the most frustrating squash pest.

Soil Considerations for Wyoming

Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant challenge. Heavy amendment needed. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting squash (summer) outside.

Wyoming Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Very windy — wind protection essential for gardens. Low humidity. Cool nights even in summer at elevation. 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 Wyoming: Eastern Wyoming (4a, 4b, 5a) has a last frost around May 10 - May 30, while Southern Wyoming (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 15 - Jun 1. 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 Wyoming, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Eastern Wyoming gardeners should plan around a May 10 - May 30 last frost, while those in Southern Wyoming can typically plant later. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.
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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