Cucumbers

Cucumbers, those cool and crunchy delights, are a fantastic addition to any garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing cucumbers can be a rewarding experience. Let's dive into how to get the best from your cucumber plants, covering everything from sowing seeds to enjoying your homegrown harvest!

Summary: Growing Cucumbers

Growing cucumbers is easier than you think! Start seeds indoors from late March to May, or sow them directly outdoors from late May to June. Plant outdoor cucumbers from late May to early June, and indoor cucumbers in May. Make sure they get plenty of water, especially in dry spells, and feed them with a high-potash fertilizer once they start producing fruits. Harvest regularly to keep them coming! Be sure to watch out for pests and diseases, and give them plenty of support to climb.

Two Types of Cucumbers

First off, you should know there are two main types of cucumbers: outdoor ridge cucumbers and indoor greenhouse cucumbers. Outdoor cucumbers are hardy and love to trail, while indoor cucumbers prefer warmer environments and are best trained to grow upwards. Both are delicious, so you should grow the one that best suits your available space and climate.

Getting Started: Sowing Seeds

For indoor cucumbers, start sowing seeds from late March to May. Use small pots, planting seeds about an inch deep. Keep the pots warm, around 20°C, and moist. Once they’ve sprouted and grown their first true leaves, pop them on a sunny windowsill or in the greenhouse. For outdoor types, sow seeds directly outdoors from late May to June, once the frost risk has passed. You can sow them straight into the ground, about an inch deep, or warm up the soil with cloches first for better germination.

Planting Out Your Cucumbers

For indoor cucumbers, ‘harden off’ your plants (gradually expose them to outdoor conditions) before planting them into grow bags or large pots, usually in May. For outdoor types, plant out hardened-off plants in late May or early June. Space them about 90cm apart, in a sunny, sheltered spot. Don’t be shy to plant a cucumber trellis or other structure they can climb up, or they will trail.

Cucumber Care: Watering and Feeding

Cucumbers love water, so keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base of the plant with organic matter can help retain moisture. Once they start producing fruits, feed them every 10-14 days with a high-potash liquid feed.

Harvesting Your Cucumbers

Harvest your cucumbers regularly as they mature. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut them off. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruits – so the more you pick, the more you get!

Top Tips for Growing Great Cucumbers

Protect those young plants from slugs and snails – they love a tasty cucumber seedling! Pinch out the growing tips of outdoor cucumbers once they reach about 60cm to encourage more fruiting. And, remember, regular harvesting is key to a productive plant!

Dealing with Cucumber Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for fungal diseases like mildew and grey mold – good air circulation helps to avoid them. Also watch for aphids and spider mites. If you find any pests or diseases, treat them quickly to keep your plants healthy.

Month-by-Month Guide:

• Late March to May: Sow seeds indoors.
• May: Harden off indoor plants and plant out indoor types.
• Late May to June: Sow seeds outdoors and plant out hardened-off outdoor types.
• May Onwards: Harvest regularly as they mature, and keep feeding them.

So there you have it, everything you need to know about growing cucumbers! Get out there and start planting and enjoy the fruits (or should we say, vegetables!) of your labour. Happy gardening!