Cucumbers are a vining plant that is best grown on a trellis to keep the fruit off the ground and will make for an easier harvest.
PLANTING CUCUMBERS
Cucumbers are best grown in well-drained soil with full sun and a soil pH range of 6.0 through 6.5.
They can be sown straight into the soil after the last frost or started 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost indoors using a cardboard seed starting tray.
They are best planted in rows that are about 3 feet apart, about 6 inches apart in the row, and about one inch deep.
If using a trellis then the rows can be planted about 1 foot apart.
For best results, it is recommended before planting or sowing them to till compost into the soil which is known as amending the soil.
This will provide nutrients to the soil, helps with water retention, and will help to keep the soil loose which will make it easier for the roots to grow.
FERTILIZING AND WATERING
Cucumber seedlings should be fertilized with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as 18-18-21 every two weeks to encourage plant growth.
One week after the plant blooms they are best fertilized with a low-nitrogen fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium such as 3-4-6, or a homemade liquid fertilizer.
Fertilizer should be added every three weeks to encourage the growth of the fruit.
They prefer soil that is consistently moist but not soaked and they will require about 1 inch of water per week.
HARVESTING
They are best harvested with a sharp pair of gardening shears to remove the fruit from the plant.
It is best to avoid twisting the cucumbers from the plant because this can cause damage to the plant.
PROPAGATING
Cucumbers are propagated through seed, therefore some plants should be set aside to have seed for the following season.
PESTS
Cucumbers have several pests that feed on them but using natural methods such as attracting predators and natural insecticides such as essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or insecticidal soap will keep your pest control organic.
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Whiteflies
- Cucumber beetles
- Cutworms
- Slugs
- Snails
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage loopers
- Pickleworms
- Melonworms
DISEASES
If they are planted close together can develop mold and mildew issues during times of high humidity.
If this is the case then preventive measures may need to be taken.
- Powdery mildew
- Downy mildew
- Angular leaf spot
- Alternaria leaf spot
- Cercospora leaf spot
- Bacterial wilt
- Fusarium wilt
- Gummy stem blight
- Root rot
- Anthracnose
- Phytophthora crown
VIRUSES
Plant viruses are caused by pests causing damage to a plant, therefore good pest management is a must.
- Blossom-end rot
VARIETIES
Cucumbers need between 3 to 10 days to germinate and between 50 to 70 days to harvest depending on the variety.
MARKETER CUCUMBERS
Marketer cucumbers are between 6 to 9 inches long with a smooth dark green skin and grow best in hot and humid climates.
This variety was bred by the Associated Seed Growers from Connectitcut in 1942.
- Days to germinate – between 3 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about days
KIRBY CUCUMBERS
Kirby Cucumbers are about six long with bumpy skins, firm flesh and is typically used for pickling.
- Days to germinate – between 3 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – between 50 to 70 days
BOSTON PICKLING CUCUMBERS
Boston pickling cucumbers are between 3 to 6 inches long with bumpy skins.
This variety was bred in 1880.
- Days to germinate – between 3 to 10 days
- Days to harvest – about 55 days