Jorielle's Blog

Sow 3 seeds to a 4-inch pot, 3-4 weeks before transplant date. Keep the soil moist and temperatures above 70F during the day and 60F at night. When the first set of true leaves appears, thin to one plant per pot by cutting the extras with scissors. Transplant after the soil has warmed to about 70F. Set out the plants on a cloudy day or in the evening, being very careful not to disturb the roots. You can direct-seed cucumbers if the soil is at least 70F and promises to stay at least this warm during the germination period. Use row covers to keep the soil warm.

This is a genuine warm-season crop, demanding warmth from germination to harvest. But cucumbers also mature quickly, so they don't need a lot of care.

Fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, every 2 weeks. Once flowers appear it is very important to maintain even soil moisture, or misshapen, poor-tasting fruits will result.

With guidance, cucumber vines climb pea netting on the same trellis used for other vertical garden crops. 

You can harvest cucumbers whenever they are large enough to use, and most gardeners find smaller fruits more flavorful than big ones. Check the wines daily, as the fruits grow quickly. Be sure to harvest when the cucumber is still dark green all over. A yellowing at the blossom end indicates an overripe fruit that is past its prime.

Spacing in beds: trellised, 18"; on ground, 36".

Watering: moderate until flowering; heavy from flowering to harvest

Light: full sun