FALL GROWING GUIDE · REGION I
When to plant
summer squash
in Texas Panhandle.
Summer squash is listed among the quicker frost-sensitive crops in the guide. A fall planting still needs enough warm growing time before cold weather arrives.
AVERAGE FALL PLANTING DATE
August 1
Direct sow · Frost sensitive
Direct sowing is the usual method shown here. The historical table is a regional reference; confirm soil conditions and the intended operation before sowing. A recurring regional reference from the 2014 Extension guide. This is not a forecast; the source does not specify a closing date for this crop.
What this means for your garden.
The northern Panhandle begins its fall garden while much of Texas is still in summer mode. In the source calendar, warm-season transplants go out in June and leafy crops follow later.
For summer squash, the regional reference is August 1. The source provides no last optimum date for this crop. A late start can leave long-season crops unfinished. Look at the days to maturity on your seed packet and the local frost outlook before committing bed space.
Your next three steps
- Choose the right start.
Do not substitute winter squash dates: it is a different row with a different schedule. Save the crop name with the date to keep your plan clear.
- Give the plant a good first week.
Leave the room specified for your variety even when the seedlings look small. Check leaves and growing tips as part of your weekly walk through the garden.
- Keep a record you can use next season.
Save your planned date, then change it to the day you actually plant. Record completion in My Garden; the reference calendar stays separate from your own history.
WHY LOCATION MATTERS
One crop. Five different calendars.
How the same crop’s average date compares with Texas Panhandle.
West TexasAugust 1514 days laterCentral & East TexasSeptember 1040 days laterCoastal South TexasOctober 161 days laterRio Grande ValleyOctober 1070 days laterSource, scope & a little context.
Table 1 supplies average fall planting dates. Table 2 supplies last optimum dates only for the crops it lists. Figure 1 defines the five historical gardening regions; these are not current USDA hardiness zones.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension · Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide (EHT-056) ↗Dates: Table 1, p. 2. Region: Figure 1, p. 3. Source checked 2026-09-28. Editorial care notes are general planning advice; your county Extension office can refine them.
Read our methodology →Separate each growing stage.
- Direct sow in the bed. Use the seed packet for sowing depth and spacing. Check the actual soil temperature and moisture before choosing a sowing day.
- Check outdoor conditions. Wait for crop-appropriate warm soil and a suitable frost-free window. A warm monthly average does not rule out damaging cold nights.
- Plan the next sowing separately. Check local spring or fall advice and the variety’s maturity time before scheduling another batch. Calendar reminders do not establish a safe planting window.
These are general growing stages, not local planting dates. Minnesota calendar dates are not transferred to other regions. Read the Extension growing-stage guide ↗
Texas Panhandle in context
