When to Plant Cucumber in Morgan County, WV
What to do in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Morgan County, West Virginia.
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Plant out cucumber
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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Start cucumber under lights
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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.
Morgan County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 2,387 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.
Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cucumber.
How to Plant Cucumber
Succession Planting Cucumber
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morgan 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 — Morgan County, WV
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Morgan County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after April 22 in Morgan 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 Morgan County, WV?
Morgan County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, WV?
Morgan County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Morgan 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.