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When to Plant Cucumber in Macomb County, MI

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.

Macomb County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 628 feet, Macomb County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Macomb County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Macomb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 16

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,077 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~1,095 GDD — county provides 3,193 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Macomb County, MI

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 โ€“ May 26
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 26
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 โ€“ Sep 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
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 6a

Growing Season

175 days

Growing Tips for Macomb 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Macomb County, MI?

Macomb County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macomb County, MI?

Macomb County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Macomb County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Macomb County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.