When to Plant Cucumber in Rio Arriba County, NM
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.
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 96 days.
At an elevation of 5,979 feet, Rio Arriba County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cucumber will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cucumber successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Rio Arriba County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cucumber Planting Timeline — Rio Arriba County, NM
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 11 |
| Direct Sow | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Oct 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
96 days
Growing Tips for Rio Arriba 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in Rio Arriba County, NM?
Rio Arriba County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rio Arriba County, NM?
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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