When to plant Cucumber in Brown County, MN
Plant Cucumber in Brown County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 7. Continue planting through May 28 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Cucumber in Brown County, MN
What to do in June
A quick June briefing for Brown County, Minnesota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start cucumber indoors
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Brown County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,199 feet, Brown County receives approximately 31.8 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.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Cucumber 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 Brown County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Cucumber's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Brown County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Cucumber will thrive.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Cucumber Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Brown County). 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 — Brown County, MN
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Brown County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after April 30 in Brown County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Brown County, MN?
Brown County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, MN?
Brown County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Cucumber in Brown County, MN?
In Brown County, MN, plant Cucumber after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Brown County, MN for Cucumber?
Brown County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cucumber grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cucumber grow in Brown County's climate?
Yes — Cucumber grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.
Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.