When to Plant Cucumber in Burke 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.
Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 1,146 feet, Burke County receives approximately 21.9 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.
Burke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cucumber Planting Timeline — Burke County, ND
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
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
133 days
Growing Tips for Burke 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 Burke County, ND?
Burke County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Burke County, ND?
Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Burke County gardeners in Zone 3b 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.