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When to Plant Cucumber in Garfield County, NE

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.

Garfield County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 587 feet, Garfield County receives approximately 26.3 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.

Garfield County, NE (Zone 4b) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Garfield County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Sep 27

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 1,367 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~735 GDD — county provides 1,947 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Garfield County, NE

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 4
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Sep 10

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

159 days

Growing Tips for Garfield 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 Garfield County, NE?

Garfield County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Garfield County, NE?

Garfield County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Garfield County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Garfield County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.