When to Plant Zucchini in Hardin County, IL
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.
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Zucchini Planting Timeline — Hardin County, IL
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
210 days
Growing Tips for Hardin 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
Level Up Your Garden
Zucchini in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Zucchini in Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hardin County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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