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When to Plant Cucumber in Portage County, OH

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.

Portage County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 1,164 feet, Portage County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Portage County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Portage County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 17 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 25

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 756 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~825 GDD — county provides 2,227 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Portage County, OH

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 1
Direct Sow May 11 May 11 โ€“ Jun 1
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Sep 7

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 5b

Growing Season

162 days

Growing Tips for Portage 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Portage County, OH?

Portage County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Portage County, OH?

Portage County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Portage County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Portage County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.