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When to plant Cucumber in Carter County, KY

Carter County's spring Cucumber window runs April 25 through May 16. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Cucumber in Carter County, KY

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.

Carter County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 3,358 feet, Carter County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Carter County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Carter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7.1

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 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cucumber Planting Timeline — Carter County, KY

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 22

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 6b

📆 Growing Season

187 days in Carter County

Growing Tips for Carter 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 Carter County, KY?

Carter County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carter County, KY?

Carter County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Cucumber in Carter County, KY?

In Carter County, KY, plant Cucumber after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Carter County, KY for Cucumber?

Carter County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cucumber grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cucumber grow in Carter County's climate?

Yes — Cucumber grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 22.

🌱

Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 6b). 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 Carter County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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