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When to Plant Cucumber in Union 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.

Union County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 1,227 feet, Union County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Union County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 14

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
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,284 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~870 GDD — county provides 2,566 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, OH

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 23
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Aug 29

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 โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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

177 days

Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, OH?

Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, OH?

Union County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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