When to Plant Cucumber in Archer County, TX
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.
Archer County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 2,151 feet, Archer County receives approximately 59.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.
Archer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Archer County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4โ7.5) overlaps with Cucumber's range (6.0โ7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Archer County is excellent for Cucumber โ good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 06 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 โ consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cucumber
Cucumber needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cucumber Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | โ | 1.4" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 2.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 6.8" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 6.5" | 8.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 10" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.9" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 7.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Dec | โ | 1.5" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in Archer County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cucumber Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cucumber Planting Timeline โ Archer County, TX
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 โ Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 โ Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 โ Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 โ Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | โ |
| September | โ |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
1.5"/week ยท 1-2 times/week
๐ Days to Maturity
50โ70 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7 ยท Your soil: acceptable
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
๐ Growing Season
240 days in Archer County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Archer County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after March 20 in Archer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cucumber in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in Archer County, TX?
Archer County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Archer County, TX?
Archer County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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