Blog

When to Plant Cucumber in Fallon 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.

Fallon County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. 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 6,441 feet, Fallon County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, 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.

Fallon County, MT (Zone 4a) Short season
123 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
123 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Fallon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 24
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Sep 30
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 27 Transplant: Jun 29 🍅 Harvest: Aug 24 – Oct 19

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 1,082 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 1,322 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Fallon County, MT

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jun 24
Direct Sow June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jun 24
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 โ€“ Sep 30

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 โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July โ€”
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

123 days

Growing Tips for Fallon 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 Fallon County, MT?

Fallon County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fallon County, MT?

Fallon County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Fallon County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fallon County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.