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When to Plant Cucumber in Simpson County, MS

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.

Simpson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 90 feet, Simpson County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Cucumber may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cucumber, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Simpson County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 10
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Simpson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jul 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Aug 3

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
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,834 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~1,365 GDD — county provides 5,687 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Simpson County, MS

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 10 Feb 10 โ€“ Feb 24
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 7
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Apr 7
Harvest May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jul 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March 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

250 days

Growing Tips for Simpson 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 Simpson County, MS?

Simpson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Simpson County, MS?

Simpson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Simpson County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Simpson County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.