When to Plant Cucumber in St. Landry Parish, LA
Your May game plan for St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for St. Landry Parish, Louisiana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Basket week: cucumber
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: cucumber
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.
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 285 days.
At an elevation of 370 feet, St. Landry Parish receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cucumber may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cucumber will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.
St. Landry Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6
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 St. Landry Parish
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.0) is more acidic than Cucumber prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Landry Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cucumber will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 22 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 6" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Landry Parish). 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 — St. Landry Parish, LA
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 – Jun 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
285 days in St. Landry Parish
Growing Tips for Cucumber in St. Landry Parish
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after February 19 in St. Landry Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Landry Parish dries quickly — mulch Cucumber with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in St. Landry Parish, provide afternoon shade for Cucumber and water deeply in the morning.
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 St. Landry Parish, LA?
St. Landry Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Landry Parish, LA?
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your St. Landry Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Landry Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.