When to Plant Cucumber in Lamoille County, VT
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.
Lamoille County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 823 feet, Lamoille County receives approximately 46.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.
Lamoille County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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 Lamoille County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9โ6.4) is more acidic than Cucumber prefers (6.0โ7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lamoille County is excellent for Cucumber โ good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | 3.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 3.2" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | โ | 3.4" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Apr | โ | 4.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Nov | โ | 3.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Dec | โ | 3.8" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MayโOct in Lamoille 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 Lamoille County, VT
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 โ Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 โ Jun 12 |
| Direct Sow | May 22 | May 22 โ Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 โ Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
1.5"/week ยท Only during dry spells
๐ Days to Maturity
50โ70 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7 ยท Your soil: too_acidic
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
๐ Growing Season
151 days in Lamoille County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Lamoille County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after May 08 in Lamoille 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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Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in Lamoille County, VT?
Lamoille County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lamoille County, VT?
Lamoille County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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