Cucumbers are a popular vegetable grown in gardens all over the world. They have a refreshing, crisp taste and are great for eating raw or for pickling. Setting up cucumbers properly is important for getting a successful crop. There are a few key factors to consider when planting cucumbers:
Quick answers to questions in the opening paragraphs:
– What time of year should you plant cucumbers? You should plant cucumbers after the last frost in spring once the soil has warmed up, usually in late May or June.
– Should cucumbers be grown from seed or transplants? Cucumbers can be grown from seed directly sown in the garden or from transplants that were started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
– What type of soil do cucumbers need? Cucumbers need well-drained, fertile soil that is high in organic matter. Amend soil with compost before planting.
– How much sun do cucumbers require? Cucumbers need at least 6-8 hours of full sun per day.
– How much space do cucumber plants need? Cucumbers need at least 1-2 feet between plants, with rows spaced 3-4 feet apart. Provide room for vines to sprawl.
– How often should cucumbers be watered? Cucumbers have shallow roots and require about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. Don’t let soil dry out.
– What is the proper temperature range for growing cucumbers? Cucumbers thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F. Use row covers if needed to warm soil and air temperature.
Choosing a Variety
One of the first decisions when planting cucumbers is choosing which variety to grow. There are a few main types of cucumbers:
Slicing Cucumbers
Slicing cucumbers are the typical garden cucumber. They are long, smooth-skinned, and have crisp, mild flesh. Popular slicing varieties include:
– Marketmore – prolific, disease resistant, all purpose
– Straight Eight – heirloom, great flavor
– Burpless – thin skin, tender, no bitterness
Pickling Cucumbers
As the name suggests, pickling cucumbers are meant for pickling. They are shorter than slicers with thin, bumpy skin and firm, crunchy flesh. Good pickling varieties include:
– Calypso – high yielding, disease resistant
– National Pickling – abundant yields
– Kirby – small, round shape perfect for pickles
Mini/Baby Cucumbers
Mini or baby cucumbers are bite-sized, crisp cucumbers that can be eaten whole. They grow well in containers. Try:
– Little Leaf – tiny leaves, best for containers
– Picobello – round, pickle-shaped fruits
– Miniature White – small, creamy white cucumbers
Lemon Cucumbers
As the name suggests, lemon cucumbers are round with a pale yellow color similar to lemons. They have very thin skin and mild flavor. Lemon is a popular heirloom variety.
Consider your planned use, available space, and desired harvest timeframe when selecting a cucumber variety. Pick disease resistant varieties if possible.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Cucumbers can be directly sown in the garden after all danger of frost, but starting seeds indoors first extends the growing season. Here’s how:
When to Start Seeds
Start cucumber seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last expected frost date. This gives seedlings time to develop before transplanting.
Materials Needed
– Seed starting mix
– Containers with drainage holes
– Grow lights (optional)
– Heat mat (optional)
Planting Steps
1. Fill containers with seed starting mix, level, and water thoroughly. Containers should be 2-3 inches deep.
2. Sow 2-3 seeds in each container, 1/2 inch deep. Space seeds 1 inch apart.
3. Keep soil evenly moist, but not saturated. Germination takes 5-10 days at 70°F.
4. Place seedlings under grow lights or in sunny window, maintaining 65-75°F temperature.
5. Thin to 1 plant per container after true leaves emerge.
Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting outside.
Direct Sowing in the Garden
It’s easy to directly sow cucumber seeds into the garden:
When to Sow
Sow cucumber seeds 1-2 weeks after the last expected spring frost once soil warms to at least 60°F.
Spacing
Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 6 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart. Thin to 1 plant every 12 inches after emergence.
Ideal Conditions
Cucumbers need warm soil and air to germinate well. Use plastic mulch and row covers if needed to warm the soil to the proper temperature before sowing seeds.
Simply sow seeds at proper depth and spacing in prepared soil. Keep soil moist until emergence, which takes 5-10 days.
Transplanting
When transplanting cucumbers started indoors:
Hardening Off
Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days by setting them outside during the day and bringing in at night.
Timing
Transplant cucumber seedlings when soil is 60-70°F or after all danger of frost. This is usually 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.
Spacings
Set transplants 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart.
Planting Depth & Care
Set transplants at the same depth they were growing in containers. Water immediately and provide shade if transplanting on a hot, sunny day.
Properly hardening off and timing transplanting prevents shock and encourages fast establishment.
Providing Support
As vine crops, cucumbers benefit from trellising or staking for support:
Trellis
A grid or net-like structure that encourages upward, rather than outward growth. Train vines to grow through openings.
Cages
Wire tomato cages work well for cucumbers. Place one around each plant and train vines through openings.
Staking
Use garden stakes or poles to stake each cucumber plant. Tie vines loosely to supports as they grow using soft plant ties or fabric strips.
Support methods keep fruits clean and upright, improve air circulation and light exposure, and make harvest easier. Set up supports soon after transplanting or emergence.
Pollination
Cucumbers produce both male and female flowers and require pollination for fruit set:
How Pollination Works
– Bees and other pollinators carry pollen from male to female flowers
– Female flowers have a small fruit structure at the base
– Only female flowers pollinated by male flowers will develop into full cucumbers
Ensuring Good Pollination
– Plant flowers nearby to attract pollinators
– Avoid applying insecticides during flowering
– Gently shake vines or hand pollinate if needed
Identifying Issues
Issues like low fruit set, misshapen cucumbers, or poor development can indicate inadequate pollination. Support pollinators for optimal cucumber crops.
Container Growing
Cucumbers can be grown successfully in containers with proper care:
Container Size
Use a container at least 12-16 inches wide and deep for each cucumber plant. Make sure containers have drainage holes.
Soil Mix
Use a well-draining potting mix amended with compost. Container plants need more fertilizer – use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Support
Provide strong staking or trellising for support. Train vines up instead of out.
Watering
Check soil moisture frequently and water when the top inch becomes dry. Cucumbers are very sensitive to drought.
Sunlight
Place containers in full sun for at least 8 hours per day. Move to a sunny spot if needed.
With the right setup, container cucumbers can bear abundant crops all season long.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cucumbers can be affected by several pests and diseases:
Cucumber Beetles
Small beetles with black spots or stripes that feed on leaves and fruits. Handpick early or use floating row covers.
Squash Bugs
Sucking insects that drain sap. Look for gray or black nymphs and adults under leaves. Remove by hand or use organic insecticide as needed.
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on vines and transmit viruses. Blast off with water, use insecticidal soap, or introduce beneficial insects.
Bacterial Wilt
Leaves wilt suddenly as bacteria clog water-conducting tissues. Use resistant varieties and control cucumber beetles that spread disease.
Powdery Mildew
White fungal growth on leaves, stems, and fruits. Promote air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Apply organic fungicides.
Catch pests and diseases early and use integrated non-chemical control methods for effective management.
Harvest & Storage
With proper care, harvests will be bountiful:
When to Harvest
– Pick slicing cucumbers when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor
– Leave a 1/4 inch stem attached and use clippers for a clean cut
– Harvest pickling cucumbers when 2-4 inches long
Storage
– Enjoy cucumbers right after picking for peak quality and flavor
– Store unwashed cucumbers in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for 1-3 days
– Do not store at temperatures below 50°F as this causes chilling injury
Pickling
– Use pickling cucumber varieties for best results
– Harvest fruits about 4 inches long
– Use a water bath canner or refrigerator pickling recipes for long term storage
Enjoy fresh cucumbers as they ripen for a delicious taste of summer.
Conclusion
Growing cucumbers is a rewarding experience with delicious rewards. By selecting the right variety, starting seeds properly, supporting vines as they grow, providing adequate pollination, and practicing smart harvest and storage, you can get a prolific crop. Pay close attention to plants and take steps to prevent pests and diseases. With a little TLC throughout the season, your cucumber patch will flourish.