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When to Plant Zucchini in Baraga County, MI

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.

Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.

At an elevation of 575 feet, Baraga County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Zucchini to ensure they mature before fall.

Baraga County, MI (Zone 4a) Short season
136 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
136 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Baraga County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: Jun 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 21 Transplant: Jun 23 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Oct 6

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Zucchini needs ~525 GDD — county provides 1,360 GDD Excellent fit

Zucchini Planting Timeline โ€” Baraga County, MI

Zucchini Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 21
Transplant Outdoors June 9 Jun 9 โ€“ Jun 23
Direct Sow June 2 Jun 2 โ€“ Jun 23
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 โ€“ Sep 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

Growing Season

136 days

Growing Tips for Baraga 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 Baraga County, MI?

Baraga County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baraga County, MI?

Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Baraga County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Baraga County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.