Planting dates
Start by naming the type. UGA lists bush squash from April 1 to May 15 in Middle Georgia, with an August 1 to 20 fall window. Zucchini belongs in this summer-squash branch. Winter squash is listed from April 1 to August 1 and is not recommended for fall planting.
UGA: Home Gardening planting chartYour region
These chart dates are approximate for Middle Georgia. UGA says North Georgia spring plantings run about 2 weeks later and fall plantings about 2 weeks earlier. South Georgia can run about 2 weeks earlier in spring and somewhat later in fall. Use the direction of the adjustment, not an invented county date.
UGA: Home Gardening planting chartSummer squash or winter squash
Summer squash includes yellow crookneck, yellow straightneck, scallop and zucchini. It is picked young. Winter squash, such as acorn, butternut and hubbard, stays on the vine until mature and needs more room. Choose the branch before choosing a date or layout.
UGA: Home Gardening planting chartHow to plant
Plant summer squash in full sun after frost danger has passed. UGA lists soil in the 65°F to 80°F range. Summer-squash mounds can stand 4 feet apart; winter squash needs 6 to 8 feet between mounds. The planting chart lists a 1½-to-2-inch depth for both bush and winter squash.
UGA: Homegrown Summer and Winter SquashPlan a second planting
The UGA calendar suggests a second planting of squash 2 to 3 weeks after the first in April and includes squash in its late-summer planting reminders. Use the published Middle Georgia fall window for bush squash, then check the packet maturity and local frost outlook before committing the bed.
UGA: Vegetable Garden CalendarChoose your next step
Your packet says zucchini or another summer squash
Use the bush-squash dates and choose spring or the published Middle Georgia fall window for your region.Your packet says acorn, butternut, hubbard or winter squash
Use the longer spring window and the wider winter-squash layout. Do not treat the bush-squash fall window as a winter-squash recommendation.You garden in North or South Georgia
Adjust from the Middle Georgia baseline in the direction UGA gives, then confirm frost and soil conditions locally.Planting questions
Is zucchini the same timing crop as summer squash?
Yes. UGA lists zucchini among the summer-squash types, so it belongs to the bush-squash timing branch on this page.
UGA: Home Gardening planting chartCan I plant winter squash in Georgia fall?
The UGA Middle Georgia chart lists fall planting for bush squash and says winter squash is not recommended for fall planting.
UGA: Home Gardening planting chartHow far apart should squash be planted?
UGA gives 4 feet between summer-squash mounds and 6 to 8 feet for winter-squash mounds. The required space depends on the type.
UGA: Homegrown Summer and Winter Squash