When to plant Zucchini in Mathiston, MS
Mathiston's spring Zucchini window runs March 30 through April 20. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Zucchini in Mathiston, MS
Your July gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Webster County, Mississippi's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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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.
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.
Mathiston, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 135 feet, Webster County receives approximately 56.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season. 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.
Mathiston Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Zucchini 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 Mathiston
How your county's soil matches Zucchini's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.2) is more acidic than Zucchini prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Webster County is excellent for Zucchini — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Zucchini.
How to Plant Zucchini
Succession Planting Zucchini
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
Zucchini 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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 5.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 5.2" | 3.9" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 4.1" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 4.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 4.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3.9" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 4.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Webster 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 — Mathiston, MS
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
229 days in Webster County
Growing Tips for Zucchini in Mathiston
Direct sow Zucchini outdoors after March 23 in Webster County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Webster County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Zucchini. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 229.0-day season in Webster 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
When should I plant Zucchini in Mathiston, MS?
In Mathiston, MS, plant Zucchini after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mathiston, MS for Zucchini?
Mathiston sits in USDA Zone 8a. Zucchini grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Zucchini grow in Mathiston's climate?
Yes — Zucchini grows well in Mathiston's temperate climate. Mathiston averages a 229-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 7.
Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Webster County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.