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When to Plant Cucumber in Richland 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.

Richland County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 791 feet, Richland County receives approximately 28.3 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.

Richland County, ND (Zone 4a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 6
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Richland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (23 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Sep 27

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
0.8″/week
You supply
1.4″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,917 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 1,644 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Richland County, ND

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 10
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 โ€“ Sep 16

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 Transplant Outdoors 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

153 days

Growing Tips for Richland 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 Richland County, ND?

Richland County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Richland County, ND?

Richland County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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