When to Plant Cucumber in DeKalb County, MO
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.
DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 917 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.
DeKalb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in DeKalb County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Cucumber's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in DeKalb County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cucumber
Cucumber needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cucumber Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in DeKalb County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cucumber Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cucumber Planting Timeline — DeKalb County, MO
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in DeKalb County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in DeKalb County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after April 14 in DeKalb County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cucumber in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in DeKalb County, MO?
DeKalb County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeKalb County, MO?
DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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