When to Plant Zucchini in Cocke County, TN
This month in Cocke County, Tennessee
Your garden in Cocke County, Tennessee is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Time to start zucchini inside
These need a head start before your last frost (April 11). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
Get ahead of 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.
Cocke County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 3,577 feet, Cocke County receives approximately 45.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.
Cocke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 Cocke County
How your county's soil matches Zucchini's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.1) overlaps with Zucchini's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cocke County is excellent for Zucchini — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Zucchini.
How to Plant Zucchini
Succession Planting Zucchini
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 5.2" | 3.4" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 5.2" | 3.8" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 4.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 5.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 4.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 5.2" | 3.3" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 5.2" | 3.1" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cocke 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 — Cocke County, TN
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Aug 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Cocke County
Growing Tips for Zucchini in Cocke County
Direct sow Zucchini outdoors after April 11 in Cocke County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 196.0-day season in Cocke 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 Cocke County, TN?
Cocke County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cocke County, TN?
Cocke County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Cocke County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cocke County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.