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When to Plant Cucumber in Holt 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.

Holt County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 708 feet, Holt County receives approximately 28 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.

Holt County, NE (Zone 4b) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Holt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: Jun 8 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Sep 28

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.

Soil Compatibility in Holt County

How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“7.7) is more alkaline than Cucumber prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Holt County is excellent for Cucumber โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.

How to Plant Cucumber

0.5"
Planting Depth
24"
Between Plants
48"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Cucumber

3
successive plantings in your 155-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,227 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 1,550 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Holt County, NE

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jun 8
Direct Sow May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 8
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 โ€“ Sep 14

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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1.5"/week ยท 2-3 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

155 days in Holt County

Growing Tips for Cucumber in Holt County

Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after May 04 in Holt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Cucumber in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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 Holt County, NE?

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

What planting zone is Holt County, NE?

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

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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