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When to Plant Cucumber in Lauderdale County, TN

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.

Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 2,139 feet, Lauderdale County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Lauderdale County, TN (Zone 7a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost March 29
218 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Lauderdale County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Aug 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 19

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 516 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~1,230 GDD — county provides 4,469 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Lauderdale County, TN

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 1 Mar 1 โ€“ Mar 15
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 26
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Aug 2

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

218 days

Growing Tips for Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County, TN?

Lauderdale County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lauderdale County, TN?

Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lauderdale County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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