When to Plant Zucchini in Franklin County, VT
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.
Franklin County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 512 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Zucchini to ensure they mature before fall.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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 — Franklin County, VT
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Direct Sow | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 11 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
155 days
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, VT?
Franklin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, VT?
Franklin County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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