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When to Plant Cucumber in Sioux 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.

Sioux County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.

At an elevation of 775 feet, Sioux County receives approximately 24.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.

Sioux County, NE (Zone 4a) Short season
129 days
Last Spring Frost May 16
129 growing days
First Fall Frost September 22

Sioux County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: Jun 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 27 – Sep 21
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 4 Transplant: Jun 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Sep 26
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 28 Transplant: Jun 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 25 – Oct 20

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 Sioux County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.3โ€“7.2) overlaps with Cucumber's range (6.0โ€“7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) โ€” Cucumber will thrive.

How to Plant Cucumber

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

Succession Planting Cucumber

2
successive plantings in your 129-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 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 972 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~780 GDD — county provides 1,677 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Sioux County, NE

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 18
Transplant Outdoors June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jun 20
Direct Sow May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jun 20
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Sep 26

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

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

129 days in Sioux County

Growing Tips for Cucumber in Sioux County

Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after May 16 in Sioux 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.

Sioux County receives only 24" of rain annually. Cucumber needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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 Sioux County, NE?

Sioux County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sioux County, NE?

Sioux County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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