When to Plant Cucumber in Dillingham Census Area, AK
May in Dillingham Census Area, Alaska — your action list
A quick May briefing for Dillingham Census Area, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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.
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.
Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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 Dillingham Census Area
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Cucumber prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cucumber.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Cucumber will thrive.
How to Plant Cucumber
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dillingham Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°F 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 — Dillingham Census Area, AK
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Dillingham Census Area
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Dillingham Census Area
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.
Your Dillingham Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dillingham Census Area (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.