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When to Plant Cucumber in Emmons 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.

Emmons County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 840 feet, Emmons County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.

Emmons County, ND (Zone 4a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Emmons County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: Jun 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: Jun 11 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Oct 1

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

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 751 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cucumber needs ~645 GDD — county provides 1,494 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Emmons County, ND

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 14
Transplant Outdoors June 2 Jun 2 โ€“ Jun 16
Direct Sow May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 16
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 โ€“ Sep 22

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 Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 4a

Growing Season

139 days

Growing Tips for Emmons 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

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Emmons County, ND?

Emmons County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Emmons County, ND?

Emmons County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Emmons County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Emmons County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.