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When to plant Cucumber in Polk County, MN

Plant Cucumber in Polk County during the brief May 25–June 15 window. With 143 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 1.

When to Plant Cucumber in Polk County, MN

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.

Polk County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Polk County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.

Polk County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Polk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cucumber Planting Timeline — Polk County, MN

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 15
Direct Sow May 25 May 25 – Jun 15
Harvest July 27 Jul 27 – Sep 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

143 days in Polk County

Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, MN?

Polk County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Polk County, MN?

Polk County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.

When should I plant Cucumber in Polk County, MN?

In Polk County, MN, plant Cucumber after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Polk County, MN for Cucumber?

Polk County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Cucumber grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cucumber grow in Polk County's climate?

Yes — Cucumber grows well in Polk County's temperate climate. Polk County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 1.

🌱

Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Polk County (Zone 4a). 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 Polk County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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