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When to plant Cucumber in Kankakee County County,

Kankakee County County's climate puts the Cucumber spring window between April 27 and May 18. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Cucumber in Kankakee County, IL

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.

Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Kankakee County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Kankakee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cucumber

Cucumber needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cucumber Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kankakee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cucumber Planting Timeline — Kankakee County, IL

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 – Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Kankakee County

Growing Tips for Kankakee 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Kankakee County, IL?

Kankakee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kankakee County, IL?

Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Cucumber in Kankakee County County, ?

In Kankakee County County, , plant Cucumber after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kankakee County County, for Cucumber?

Kankakee County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cucumber grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cucumber grow in Kankakee County County's climate?

Yes — Cucumber grows well in Kankakee County County's temperate climate. Kankakee County County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Kankakee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kankakee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.