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When to Plant Zucchini in Lee County, GA

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.

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, 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.

Lee County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 23

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Zucchini needs ~1,155 GDD — county provides 5,632 GDD Excellent fit

Zucchini Planting Timeline โ€” Lee County, GA

Zucchini Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 โ€“ Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Harvest May 9 May 9 โ€“ Jul 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

45โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for Lee 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Zucchini in Lee County, GA?

Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, GA?

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Lee County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.