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When to Plant Cucumber in Stevens County, MN

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.

Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 1,259 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.

Stevens County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Stevens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 25

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
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 842 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cucumber needs ~645 GDD — county provides 1,687 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Stevens County, MN

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 6
Direct Sow May 16 May 16 โ€“ Jun 6
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Sep 12

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 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 4a

Growing Season

157 days

Growing Tips for Stevens 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 Stevens County, MN?

Stevens County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stevens County, MN?

Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Stevens County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Stevens County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.