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When to Plant Cucumber in Meagher 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.

Meagher County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.

At an elevation of 5,072 feet, Meagher County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, 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.

Meagher County, MT (Zone 4a) Very short season
90 days
Last Spring Frost June 10
90 growing days
First Fall Frost September 8

Meagher County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 16 Transplant: Jun 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 8
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 13 Transplant: Jul 15 🍅 Harvest: Sep 9 – Nov 4

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 805 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cucumber needs ~735 GDD — county provides 1,102 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Meagher 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

90 days

Growing Tips for Meagher 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 Meagher County, MT?

Meagher 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 Meagher County, MT?

Meagher County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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