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When to plant Squash (Summer) in Luce County, MI

Luce County's 134-day season only supports one Squash (Summer) planting per year. Sow between May 29 and June 19 for the best chance at full maturity before October 3.

When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Luce County, MI

Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow crookneck, and pattypan varieties that are harvested young and tender. They are prolific producers in warm weather.

Luce County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.

At an elevation of 1,157 feet, Luce County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Squash (Summer) to ensure they mature before fall.

Luce County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
134 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
134 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Luce County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Squash (Summer) Planting Timeline — Luce County, MI

Squash (Summer) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Transplant Outdoors June 5 Jun 5 – Jun 19
Direct Sow May 29 May 29 – Jun 19
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 – Sep 25

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

134 days in Luce County

Growing Tips for Luce County

Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest frequently when fruits are 6-8 inches for best texture. Check plants daily as they grow rapidly in summer heat.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Luce County, MI?

Luce County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Squash (Summer) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Luce County, MI?

Luce County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Squash (Summer) in Luce County, MI?

In Luce County, MI, plant Squash (Summer) after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Luce County, MI for Squash (Summer)?

Luce County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Squash (Summer) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Squash (Summer) grow in Luce County's climate?

Yes — Squash (Summer) grows well in Luce County's temperate climate. Luce County averages a 134-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Luce County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Luce County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Luce County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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