What is the best season to plant zucchini?

Most gardeners get their best zucchini harvests with spring planting. You want to wait till after your last frost date when the soil warms to 65°F (18°C). This temperature is ideal for vigorous germination and rapid growth. I find soil thermometers the best way to check soil temperature. Your seeds will sprout consistently within this temperature range.

Fall planting yields another harvest with reduced pest issues. Count back 10-12 weeks from your first anticipated frost. Select fast-maturing varieties that are ready in less than 50 days. I often cover fall crops with floating row covers. Your crops will continue to produce until hard frosts arrive.

Stay away from hot or cold extremes that can hurt your zucchini plants. Heating above 95°F (35°C) triggers blossom drop, resulting in lower yields. Cold below 60°F (15°C) will drastically stunt growth. I always keep an eye on weather forecasts for critical growth stages. This will keep your plants from these damaging conditions.

Cycle plantings for continual harvest. Start with an early spring planting when it is frost-safe, then keep the plantings flowing around every 3 weeks until about midsummer. I stagger it for continual production. Your patio will have fresh zucchini all season.

Adjust the planting depth according to the soil temperature. For cooler soils, plant seeds at a depth of 1 inch. In warmer conditions, reduce the depth to ½ inch to facilitate quicker emergence. I also made these adjustments based on daily temperature readings. Your seedlings will emerge stronger.

Read the full article: How to Grow Zucchini: Expert Tips for Success