When to Plant Zucchini in Lawrence County, MS
This month in Lawrence County, Mississippi
Your Lawrence County, Mississippi garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Start harvesting zucchini
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Lawrence County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 309 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 60.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Zucchini may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Zucchini, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Zucchini root diseases.
Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Lawrence County
How your county's soil matches Zucchini's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Zucchini's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lawrence County is excellent for Zucchini — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Zucchini.
How to Plant Zucchini
Succession Planting Zucchini
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 16 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 5.2" | 4.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 5.2" | 5.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 4.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3.7" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 5.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lawrence 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 — Lawrence County, MS
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
250 days in Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Zucchini in Lawrence County
Direct sow Zucchini outdoors after March 10 in Lawrence County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lawrence County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Zucchini. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Lawrence County, provide afternoon shade for Zucchini and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 250.0-day season in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, MS?
Lawrence County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lawrence County, MS?
Lawrence County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lawrence County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.