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When to Plant Cucumber in York County, ME

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.

York County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.

At an elevation of 794 feet, York County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.

York County, ME (Zone 5b) Moderate season
154 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
154 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

York County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: Jun 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 22

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
1.3″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 265 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~735 GDD — county provides 1,886 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” York County, ME

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 4
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

154 days

Growing Tips for York 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

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in York County, ME?

York County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is York County, ME?

York County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help York County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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