When to Plant Cucumber in St. Tammany Parish, LA
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Harvest cucumber as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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. Tammany Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 321 feet, St. Tammany Parish receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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. Tammany Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.1
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. Tammany Parish
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.1) is more acidic than Cucumber prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Tammany Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cucumber will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cucumber.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in St. Tammany 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. Tammany Parish, LA
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jun 19 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
276 days in St. Tammany Parish
Growing Tips for Cucumber in St. Tammany Parish
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after February 20 in St. Tammany Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Tammany 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 96°F in St. Tammany 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
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Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in St. Tammany Parish, LA?
St. Tammany Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Tammany Parish, LA?
St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your St. Tammany Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Tammany 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.