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When to plant Cucumber in Scott County, IA

Plant Cucumber in Scott County from April 22 to May 13 in spring. Scott County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 15 and first frost on October 17.

When to Plant Cucumber in Scott County, IA

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.

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.

Scott County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cucumber Planting Timeline — Scott County, IA

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Direct Sow April 22 Apr 22 – May 13
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Aug 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors 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

185 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, IA?

Scott County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, IA?

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Cucumber in Scott County, IA?

In Scott County, IA, plant Cucumber after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, IA for Cucumber?

Scott 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 Scott County's climate?

Yes — Cucumber grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.

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

Sources & credits

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