When to Plant Cucumber in Boone County, IL
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.
Boone County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 512 feet, Boone County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.
Boone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cucumber Planting Timeline — Boone County, IL
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
176 days
Growing Tips for Boone County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in Boone County, IL?
Boone County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Boone County, IL?
Boone County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Boone County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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