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When to Plant Zucchini in Elmore County, ID

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.

Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 5,944 feet, Elmore County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.

Elmore County, ID (Zone 6a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Elmore County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: Jun 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 15

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
0.5″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,450 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Zucchini needs ~840 GDD — county provides 2,720 GDD Excellent fit

Zucchini Planting Timeline โ€” Elmore County, ID

Zucchini Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 25
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 6a

Growing Season

170 days

Growing Tips for Elmore 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 Elmore County, ID?

Elmore County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Elmore County, ID?

Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Elmore County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Elmore County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.