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When to Plant Zucchini in Ogemaw 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.

Ogemaw County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 987 feet, Ogemaw County receives approximately 36.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Zucchini to ensure they mature before fall.

Ogemaw County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
139 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Ogemaw County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 12 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 26 Transplant: Jun 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Sep 27

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
1.1″/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 ~682 GDD — county provides 1,807 GDD Excellent fit

Zucchini Planting Timeline โ€” Ogemaw County, MI

Zucchini Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 14
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 13

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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 5a

Growing Season

139 days

Growing Tips for Ogemaw 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 Ogemaw County, MI?

Ogemaw County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ogemaw County, MI?

Ogemaw County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ogemaw County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Ogemaw County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.