When To Plant Squash In Tennessee

If you’re planning your Tennessee garden, knowing when to plant squash is key to a great harvest. Getting the timing right for when to plant squash in Tennessee means your plants will thrive in our unique climate.

Planting at the optimal moment helps you avoid late frosts that can kill seedlings and gets your squash growing strong before the peak summer heat and pests arrive. This guide will walk you through the best dates, varieties, and simple steps for success.

The short answer is: after the last spring frost. Squash are warm-season crops that are very sensitive to cold soil and frost. Planting too early is a common mistake.

For most of Tennessee, the safe planting window for squash is:

West Tennessee: April 10 – May 1
Middle Tennessee: April 15 – May 10
East Tennessee & Highlands: May 1 – May 20

These dates are for direct seeding outdoors. You can start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before your outdoor planting date to get a small jumpstart.

Understanding Your Frost Dates

Your local last frost date is your best guide. You can find it through your county extension office. A good rule is to plant squash seeds or transplants about 1-2 weeks after that last frost date. The soil needs to be reliably warm, at least 60°F (70°F is ideal for germination).

Considering a Second Planting

For a continuous harvest, consider a second, smaller planting in early to mid-July. This can provide a fresh crop in early fall, as summer squash matures quickly and fall pests may be less active.

Types of Squash and Their Timing

All squash types follow the same basic spring planting rule. However, their growth habits differ.

Summer Squash (Zucchini, Yellow Crookneck, Pattypan): Grow fast, produce quickly (often within 50 days). You can succession plant these every 3-4 weeks for steady supply.
Winter Squash (Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti, Pumpkins): Take longer to mature (80-120 days). They need that full season, so plant them on time in spring. A late planting may not mature before fall frost.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Squash are heavy feeders and love sunshine. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden—at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.

Prepare the soil by mixing in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and provides nutrients. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).

Consider planting in hills or mounds, which warms the soil faster and improves drainage. Space hills about 3-4 feet apart for vining types, and 2-3 feet apart for bush varieties.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Wait for Warm Soil: Check soil temperature with a thermometer. Be patient.
Plant Seeds: Sow 3-4 seeds per hill, about 1 inch deep.
Water Gently: Water the seeds in well, but avoid washing them away.
Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin to the 1-2 strongest plants per hill.
Use Transplants (Optional): If starting with nursery plants, handle roots gently and plant at the same depth they were in the pot.

Common Tennessee Growing Challenges

Our humid summers create specific challenges. Being prepared makes all the difference.

Squash Vine Borers

This is the number one pest for Tennessee gardeners. The adult moth lays eggs at the base of stems in late spring/early summer. The larvae bore into the vine, wilting the plant.

Prevention & Control:

Monitor for eggs (tiny, reddish-brown) at the base of plants.
Wrap lower stems with aluminum foil or use floating row covers early in the season (remember to remove for pollination).
If borers strike, you can sometimes slit the stem carefully, remove the borer, and mound soil over the wound.
Planting a second crop in July often avoids the worst of the borer cycle.

Powdery Mildew

This white, powdery fungus on leaves thrives in humid, crowded conditions.

Prevention & Control:

Choose resistant varieties when possible.
Space plants properly for good air circulation.
Water at the soil level, not on the leaves.
Apply a fungicide labeled for edible plants at the first sign, or use a homemade spray of 1 part milk to 9 parts water.

Blossom End Rot

This appears as a dark, sunken spot on the blossom end of the fruit. It’s caused by a calcium deficiency often related to irregular watering.

The key prevention is consistent, deep watering. Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture and avoid wide swings from dry to soggy soil.

Caring for Your Squash Plants

Once established, squash need consistent care for maximum yeild.

Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Deep, infrequent watering is better than daily sprinkles. It encourages strong roots.
Mulching: A 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps fruit off the damp soil.
Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost when vines begin to run and again when flowers appear.
Harvesting: Pick summer squash small and tender (6-8 inches long). Frequent harvesting encourages more production. For winter squash, harvest when the rind is hard and the stem is dry, before the first hard fall frost.

Recommended Varieties for Tennessee

Choosing well-suited varieties can improve your success.

Summer Squash: ‘Yellow Crookneck’ (heirloom, reliable), ‘Dunja’ (zucchini, disease-resistant), ‘Patty Pan’ (unique shape, great flavor).
Winter Squash: ‘Waltham Butternut’ (excellent keeper, borer-tolerant), ‘Table Queen Acorn’ (compact, good for smaller spaces), ‘Spaghetti Squash’ (versatile).

FAQ: Planting Squash in Tennessee

Can I plant squash in June in Tennessee?

Yes, you can plant summer squash in early June for a late summer harvest. It’s also a good time for a second planting. For winter squash, June is often too late as they won’t mature in time.

What is the latest date to plant squash in Tennessee?

For a fall harvest, aim to plant summer squash by late July to early August. This gives them time to produce before the first fall frost, which can be as early as October in some parts of the state.

Should I start squash seeds indoors?

You can, but be careful. Squash seedlings grow fast and don’t like their roots disturbed. Use biodegradable pots and transplant carefully 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. Many gardeners find direct seeding easier and just as effective.

How do I protect young squash plants from a late cold snap?

Have frost cloth, old bedsheets, or even plastic milk jugs (with bottoms cut off) on hand. Cover plants in the evening if a frost is forcasted. Remove covers in the morning once temperatures rise.

Why are my squash plants blooming but not producing fruit?

Squash have separate male and female flowers. Early on, plants often produce only male flowers. If you see female flowers (with a tiny fruit at the base) but no fruit forms, lack of pollination is likely. Encourage bees by planting flowers nearby, or hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from a male flower to a female flower with a small brush.

Following these Tennessee-specific tips for planting squash will set you up for a productive season. Paying attention to timing, preparing for pests, and providing consistent care are the simple secrets to growing great squash in your backyard garden.