Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING CUCUMBER
FAMILY
NAME
Cucurbitaceae (gourd family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Fruit.
LOCATION
Cucumbers are great veggies for growing in greenhouses or
containers.
BEST SOIL
Rich, warm, well-drained, sandy soil; pH 5.5-6.8
WHEN TO
PLANT
Plant in the spring once the soil temperature reaches 60ºF.
HOW TO
PLANT
Can be direct-seeded or transplanted. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 6
inches apart in rows 4 to 6 feet apart. This is the best way if you
are trellising the cucumber plant.
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
5 to 20 feet per person depending on whether you are going to
be pickling any of them.
COMPANION
PLANTS
Plant with beans, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, peas, radishes, and
tomatoes. Sage can have a negative effect on cucumber plants,
so keep them apart.
WEEDING
Keep well weeded, especially when the plants are small.
WATERING
Cucumbers need lots of water. Deep watering at the roots is
better than using a sprinkler. If the weather is warm, water the
plants every second day, especially if they are growing in a
greenhouse or container.
CARE
Cucumbers are best grown on a trellis so the plant gets good air
circulation and light.
FERTILIZING
Fertilize with manure tea or fish fertilizer 1 week after the plant
blooms and then again 3 weeks later.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Aphids, cucumber beetles, flea beetles, mites, squash bugs,
downy mildew, and powdery mildew can all affect the cucumber
plant. Make sure you do not compost diseased plants!
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Harvest the fruit when it is 6 to 12 inches long; this may vary
depending on the variety. The cucumber will keep longer if
harvested in the early morning when it is cooler. Pick the fruit
regularly so that new fruit will keep forming.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Cut the fruit from the plant rather than twisting or pulling it off,
which can damage the plant.
