When to Plant Cucumber in Benson County, ND
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.
Benson County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 869 feet, Benson County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.
Benson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
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
Cucumber Planting Timeline — Benson County, ND
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 3b
Growing Season
137 days
Growing Tips for Benson 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 Benson County, ND?
Benson County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benson County, ND?
Benson County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Benson County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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