When to Plant Zucchini in Sangamon 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.
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Sangamon County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.
Sangamon 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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Zucchini Planting Timeline — Sangamon County, IL
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
45–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
185 days
Growing Tips for Sangamon 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 Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sangamon County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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