Cucumbers grow roots 36 to 48 inches (91 to 122 cm) deep, so don’t plant them near trees. Tree roots will compete with your cucumber plants for water and nutrition. [2] X Research source The size of your space will dictate how many plants you can have. You’ll want to space vining plants 36 to 60 inches (91 to 152 cm) apart. If you’re growing them vertically, allow 12 inches (30 cm) between trellises.
For best results, pull the weeds up by hand, yanking up as much of the root as possible. If you leave the root of a weed behind, there is a strong likelihood that the same weed will grow back. Avoid using herbicides as a shortcut. Both chemical and organic herbicides render the soil unsuitable for overall plant growth, so they’ll hurt your cucumbers as well.
Add agricultural lime to increase the pH of your soil. Add sulfur or aluminum sulfate to decrease the pH.
For natural fertilizer, use rich compost or aged manures. Mix them into the soil to a depth of about 2 inches (5. 1 cm), then gradually cut and work them into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).
If you have more clay in your soil, add organic material. Dense, heavy soil can be improved with peat, compost, or rotted manure.
You can still have a vine plant even with limited space. Build or purchase trellises to use and create a vertical garden.
If you’re particularly sensitive to bitterness in pickles, try European or Dutch greenhouse varieties, which have a bitter-free gene. If cucumbers make you burp, try Asian varieties, which are marketed as being “burp-less. " English and Dutch long hothouse cucumbers are also burp-less.
If you want an early crop, start your seeds indoors about 3 weeks before you plan to plant, then transplant the seedlings to your garden. [7] X Research source In cooler climates, you can warm the soil a few degrees by covering it with black plastic. If you find that your area is just not suited to growing cucumbers outdoors, consider growing them inside.
Watering the soil before you plant your seeds reduces the risk that you could wash them away.
Planting several seeds together allows you to select the strongest plant. If you are transplanting seedlings, wiggle the entire structure out of the starter pot, soil and all. The soil helps protect the plant’s sensitive roots. If you transplant a cucumber bare-rooted, it likely won’t survive.
Use the flat side of a hoe to tamp down the soil over the seed, but be careful not to pack it.
Cucumber plants that are too crowded can become stressed. The cucumbers won’t grow to size and will taste bitter. Production will also decrease. across and about 8 inches (20 cm) deep. The container should also have several drain holes to ensure the best drainage for the plant. ”|}}
Use 4 or 5 ft (1. 2 or 1. 5 m) welded wire fencing or hog wire to create a 12 to 18 in (30 to 46 cm) diameter cage. This size cage can support 2 or 3 vines. As your plant gets bigger, you can gently wrap the vine tendrils around the wire to encourage the plant to grow up the trellis.
If you’re using straw or wood chips, wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 70 °F (21 °C).
Be especially vigilant as the plant flowers and begins to fruit. Stress from lack of water can result in bitter-tasting cucumbers. Water at the soil level. Wet leaves are at risk of developing powdery mildew. A drip irrigation system can regulate the water flow more constantly, while keeping the foliage dry. [11] X Research source
Plant taller crops south of your cucumbers to provide some shade, or use a shade cloth that will block at least 40 percent of the sunlight.
Once the plants get larger, you can remove the netting. A fence around your garden would better protect your cucumbers at this stage.
If the leaves turn yellow, your plants need more nitrogen. Look for a high-nitrogen fertilizer. When using inorganic fertilizer, take care not to get it on any of the plant’s leaves or fruits.
Sulfur has fungicidal properties. However, if you’re using sulfur as an organic fungicide, check your soil’s pH regularly to make sure it remains in a range suitable for growing cucumbers. Read and follow directions on any insecticides carefully. Even organic insecticides can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Generally, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cucumbers are shorter and thicker than American varieties. In contrast, Asian varieties typically are long and slender. American slicers generally should be 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long. Middle Eastern varieties are best at 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), while picklers should be harvested at 3 to 5 inches (7. 6 to 12. 7 cm).
While picking your cucumbers, check for weeds and inspect your plants for signs of any insects or disease. You should also check the soil and water as necessary. Cucumbers need plenty of water throughout their growth cycle.
Wrap them in plastic or put them in a zippered plastic bag before refrigerating them to keep them from drying out.
