Blog

When to Plant Cucumber in Bienville Parish, LA

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.

Bienville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.

At an elevation of 438 feet, Bienville Parish receives approximately 56 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Bienville Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
241 days
Last Spring Frost March 16
241 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Bienville Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jul 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Aug 15

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
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,089 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~1,230 GDD — county provides 4,940 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Bienville Parish, LA

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13
Direct Sow March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 13
Harvest May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jul 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

241 days

Growing Tips for Bienville Parish

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Bienville Parish, LA?

Bienville Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bienville Parish, LA?

Bienville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bienville Parish gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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