When to Plant Cucumber in Tyler County, WV
May in Tyler County, West Virginia — your action list
Your Tyler County, West Virginia 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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Transplant cucumber outside
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Direct-sow cucumber
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
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Get cucumber seeds going inside
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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.
Tyler County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 2,024 feet, Tyler County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°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.
Tyler County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Tyler County
How your county's soil matches Cucumber's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Cucumber's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Tyler County is excellent for Cucumber — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Tyler 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 — Tyler County, WV
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
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 | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Tyler County
Growing Tips for Cucumber in Tyler County
Direct sow Cucumber outdoors after April 24 in Tyler 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 Tyler County, WV?
Tyler County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tyler County, WV?
Tyler County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Tyler County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tyler 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.