Blog

When to Plant Cucumber in Forsyth County, GA

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.

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 59 feet, Forsyth County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cucumber, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Forsyth County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Forsyth County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jul 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Jul 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 12

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 Forsyth County

How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6โ€“6.6) overlaps with Cucumber's range (6.0โ€“7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Forsyth County is excellent for Cucumber โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.

How to Plant Cucumber

0.5"
Planting Depth
24"
Between Plants
48"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Cucumber

5
successive plantings in your 236-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 986 gal / 100 sq ft

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€” 4.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 4.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar 6.5" 6" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Apr 6.5" 4.2" 2.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 6.5" 5" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 6.5" 4.8" 1.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 6.5" 6.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 6.5" 5.5" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 6.5" 4.4" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 6.5" 3.1" 3.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov 6.5" 4" 2.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Dec โ€” 5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Marโ€“Nov in Forsyth 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 needs ~1,005 GDD — county provides 3,953 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Forsyth County, GA

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 22 Feb 22 โ€“ Mar 8
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 19
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 19
Harvest May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1.5"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

236 days in Forsyth County

Growing Tips for Cucumber in Forsyth County

Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after March 22 in Forsyth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Forsyth County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cucumber. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Forsyth County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.