Blog

When to Plant Zucchini in Washington 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.

Washington County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 277 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, 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.

Washington County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: May 13 – Jul 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Aug 5

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 208 gal / 100 sq ft
Zucchini needs ~998 GDD — county provides 4,465 GDD Excellent fit

Zucchini Planting Timeline โ€” Washington County, GA

Zucchini Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 18
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 18
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors 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

235 days

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, GA?

Washington County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, GA?

Washington County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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