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When to plant Zucchini in Carter County, MO

Zucchini planted in Carter County between April 16 and May 7 matures in 45–60 days — well before the October 26 first frost.

When to Plant Zucchini in Carter County, MO

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.

Carter County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,335 feet, Carter County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.

Carter County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Carter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Zucchini to Grow

6-10 lbs
Average yield per plant
1
Plants per person
2 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 4 zucchini plants in about 8 sq ft. In Carter County's 200-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Zucchini Planting Timeline — Carter County, MO

Zucchini Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Carter County

Growing Tips for Carter County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Zucchini in Carter County, MO?

Carter County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carter County, MO?

Carter County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Zucchini in Carter County, MO?

In Carter County, MO, plant Zucchini after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Carter County, MO for Zucchini?

Carter County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Zucchini grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Zucchini grow in Carter County's climate?

Yes — Zucchini grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.