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When to Plant Zucchini in Baltimore County, MD

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.

Baltimore County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 641 feet, Baltimore County receives approximately 49.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.

Baltimore County, MD (Zone 7a) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Baltimore County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (100 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 13

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 96 gal / 100 sq ft
Zucchini needs ~1,037 GDD — county provides 4,285 GDD Excellent fit

Zucchini Planting Timeline โ€” Baltimore County, MD

Zucchini Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 โ€“ May 1
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 โ€“ Jul 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 7a

Growing Season

217 days

Growing Tips for Baltimore 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 Baltimore County, MD?

Baltimore County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baltimore County, MD?

Baltimore County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Baltimore County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Baltimore County, MD. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.