When to Plant Zucchini in Norfolk County, MA
May to-do list for Norfolk County, Massachusetts
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Set out zucchini seedlings
Frost risk is low now in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Plant zucchini from seed, right in the garden
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
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Start zucchini under lights
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Norfolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 799 feet, Norfolk County receives approximately 42.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.
Norfolk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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 Norfolk County
How your county's soil matches Zucchini's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.4) is more acidic than Zucchini prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Norfolk County is excellent for Zucchini — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Zucchini.
How to Plant Zucchini
Succession Planting Zucchini
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.2" | 3.9" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 3.6" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 3.8" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 4.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 5.2" | 3.4" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3.1" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Norfolk 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 — Norfolk County, MA
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Norfolk County
Growing Tips for Zucchini in Norfolk County
Direct sow Zucchini outdoors after April 24 in Norfolk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 176.0-day season in Norfolk 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.
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 Norfolk County, MA?
Norfolk County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Norfolk County, MA?
Norfolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Norfolk County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Norfolk 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.