When to Plant Cucumber in Maries County, MO
Your May planting checklist for Maries County, Missouri
May is a pivotal month for Maries County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start cucumber under lights
These need a head start before your last frost (April 6). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Maries County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 684 feet, Maries County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.
Maries County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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 Maries County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) overlaps with Cucumber's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Maries County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Maries 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 — Maries County, MO
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Maries County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Maries County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after April 06 in Maries 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 Maries County, MO?
Maries County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Maries County, MO?
Maries County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.
Your Maries County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Maries 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.