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When to Plant Cucumber in Beaverhead County, MT

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.

Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 7,645 feet, Beaverhead County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cucumber successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Beaverhead County, MT (Zone 4a) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 10
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Beaverhead County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 19 Transplant: Jun 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Oct 11
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 29 Transplant: Jul 1 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 21
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 11 Transplant: Jul 13 🍅 Harvest: Sep 7 – Nov 2

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
0.7″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 802 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~600 GDD — county provides 940 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Beaverhead County, MT

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13
Transplant Outdoors July 1 Jul 1 โ€“ Jul 15
Direct Sow June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Jul 15
Harvest August 26 Aug 26 โ€“ Oct 21

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 Start Indoors
June Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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

94 days

Growing Tips for Beaverhead 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 Beaverhead County, MT?

Beaverhead County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Beaverhead County, MT?

Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Beaverhead 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 Beaverhead County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.