When to Plant Cucumber in St. Lawrence County, NY
St. Lawrence County, New York gardeners: here's your May plan
Your St. Lawrence County, New York garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Get cucumber in the ground
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Outdoor sowing time: cucumber
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: 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. Lawrence County, New York is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 688 feet, St. Lawrence County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall.
St. Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.6
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. Lawrence County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.6) is more acidic than Cucumber prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Lawrence County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in St. Lawrence 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 — St. Lawrence County, NY
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in St. Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in St. Lawrence County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after May 10 in St. Lawrence 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 St. Lawrence County, NY?
St. Lawrence County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Lawrence County, NY?
St. Lawrence County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your St. Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Lawrence County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.