When to Plant Cucumber in Broadwater 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.
Broadwater County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 7,806 feet, Broadwater County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, 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.
Broadwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cucumber Planting Timeline — Broadwater County, MT
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
123 days
Growing Tips for Broadwater 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in Broadwater County, MT?
Broadwater County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Broadwater County, MT?
Broadwater County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Broadwater County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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