When to Plant Cucumber in Sherman County, OR
Sherman County, Oregon gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Sherman County, Oregon's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Time to start cucumber inside
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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.
Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 862 feet, Sherman County receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cucumber successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Sherman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.3
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 Sherman County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.3) overlaps with Cucumber's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sherman County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Cucumber will thrive.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.8" | 5.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0.2" | 6.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0.3" | 6.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sherman 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 — Sherman County, OR
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Sherman County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Sherman County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after April 14 in Sherman 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.
Sherman County receives only 15" of rain annually. Cucumber needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Sherman County, OR?
Sherman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sherman County, OR?
Sherman County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Sherman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sherman County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.