When to Plant Zucchini in Meade County, KS
Top priorities for Meade County, Kansas gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for Meade County, Kansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Time to start zucchini inside
These need a head start before your last frost (April 16). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: zucchini
Zucchini is an incredibly prolific summer squash that can produce an abundance of fruit from just a few plants. It is versatile in the kitchen from grilling to baking.
Meade County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 705 feet, Meade County receives approximately 20.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.
Meade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Meade County
How your county's soil matches Zucchini's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) is within Zucchini's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Meade County is excellent for Zucchini — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Zucchini will thrive.
How to Plant Zucchini
Succession Planting Zucchini
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Zucchini
Zucchini needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Zucchini Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.2" | 2" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 5.2" | 2.5" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 1.6" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 1.7" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 1.9" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 1.7" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 1.7" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Meade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Zucchini Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Zucchini Planting Timeline — Meade County, KS
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Meade County
Growing Tips for Zucchini in Meade County
Direct sow Zucchini outdoors after April 16 in Meade County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 185.0-day season in Meade County allows multiple plantings of Zucchini. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Zucchini in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Meade County receives only 20" of rain annually. Zucchini needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor and texture. Check plants daily in summer as fruits can double in size overnight.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Zucchini in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Zucchini in Meade County, KS?
Meade County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Meade County, KS?
Meade County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Meade County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Meade County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.