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When to plant Cucumber in Pullman, MI

Pullman's spring Cucumber window runs May 9 through May 30. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Cucumber in Pullman, MI

Allegan County, Michigan Zone 6a June

June in the garden — Allegan County, Michigan

Your Allegan County, Michigan garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 14
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.1 hrs
  1. Start cucumber under lights

    A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.

July will be here before you know it — start on
  • First harvests: cucumber

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Cucumbers are a warm-season vine crop available in slicing and pickling varieties. They are prolific producers when given warmth, moisture, and a trellis to climb.

Pullman, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,257 feet, Allegan County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Pullman, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Pullman Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Cucumber Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Aug 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 16 Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 24

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.

Soil Compatibility in Pullman

How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–6.7) is within Cucumber's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Allegan County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Cucumber will thrive.

How to Plant Cucumber

0.5"
Planting Depth
24"
Between Plants
48"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Cucumber

3
successive plantings in your 165-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.

Cucumber Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 801 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Cucumber

Cucumber needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cucumber Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 6.5" 3.5" 3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 6.5" 4.9" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 6.5" 4.2" 2.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 6.5" 3.4" 3.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 6.5" 3.6" 2.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 6.5" 3.1" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Allegan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cucumber Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Cucumber needs ~870 GDD — county provides 2,392 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline — Pullman, MI

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Sep 5

Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

165 days in Allegan County

Growing Tips for Cucumber in Pullman

Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after May 02 in Allegan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Cucumber in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3 weeks early. Provide a trellis for vining types to save space and improve air circulation. Harvest frequently to encourage production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Cucumber in Pullman, MI?

In Pullman, MI, plant Cucumber after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pullman, MI for Cucumber?

Pullman sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cucumber grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cucumber grow in Pullman's climate?

Yes — Cucumber grows well in Pullman's temperate climate. Pullman averages a 165-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Allegan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Allegan County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Allegan County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.