Cucumbers are an easy-care vegetable that most gardeners love to have in their gardens and on their table! Most varieties thrive in any amount of space, thanks to their ability to climb. They are prolific if given proper sunlight, good soil and fertilizer.  

Vining cucumbers are the most common varieties, frost on vigorous vines up a trellis or fence. Providing support results in a clean, easy to pick crop. 

Bush cucumbers are well suited to containers and smaller gardens. These varieties are best when planted in successive plants every 2 weeks for continued harvests.

Prepare beds prior to planting by adding 2 inches of compost to the bed and work it in 6-8”. Soil should be moist and well-draining. One of the most import things about planting cucumbers is plant when the soil is warm! Night time temperatures should be 50 degrees or higher.

For an early crop, start cucumber seeds indoors about 3 weeks before transplant time. Provide bottom heat of 70 degrees. This can be done with seedling heat mats.  

Cucumber are extremely susceptible to frost damage.

Sowing seeds outdoors at the depth of 3/4” deep and about 2-3 foot apart, depending on each variety. Apply 4-4-4 Vegetable Fertilizer.

When seedlings emerge, begin to water frequently.  

Mulch seedlings with a good mulch or compost to deter weeds and to keep bush cucumbers off the ground to avoid disease.

Cucumbers require consistent watering. Avoid wetting the leaves to help reduce powdery mildew and water in the mornings. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation is our favorite way to water them.  

Mulch through the growing season to retain moisture.

When cucumbers start to bloom apply Liquid Bloom Fertilizer 2-6-4 or a mix of Liquid Bone and Fish Powder (our favorite is the mix) directly into the soil every 10 days to two weeks thereafter.  

Cucumbers grow quickly, so pick every couple of days to keep production up.  Pick when they are uniformly green, firm, and crisp.  Use clippers to cut the stem above the fruit.  Pulling the fruit may damage the vine.