How To Grow Cucumbers

Nothing says summer like slicing up delicious cucumbers to enjoy in your salad, drink or with dip. While not as popular in the garden as the heirloom tomato, cucumbers are a staple for a garden and provide so much! From fresh eating, juicing, to pickling, this is a fruit you want to have! Learn everything you need to know on how to grow cucumbers like a master gardener!

Choosing the Right Location

Cucumbers are sun-loving plants and require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Therefore, choose a location in your garden that gets plenty of sun. In addition to sunlight, cucumbers also require well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, make sure to prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.

It’s also a good idea to choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds, as cucumbers have delicate stems that can easily break. Consider planting them near a fence or wall for support.

Another important consideration is spacing. Cucumbers can grow quite large, so make sure to leave enough space between plants. Generally, cucumbers should be planted about 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. If you’re planting them in rows, leave at least 3-4 feet between rows.

Finally, make sure to avoid planting cucumbers near other plants in the cucurbit family, such as squash, melons, and pumpkins, as they are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Instead, rotate your crops each year to help prevent problems.

Options for how to plant cucumber seeds

Starting Cucumber Seeds Indoors

If you decide to start cucumber seeds inside your home or in a greenhouse, they should be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

Transplanting Seedlings

Wait until the soil has warmed up and there is no more danger of frost before transplanting your cucumber starts outdoors. The timing may vary depending on your location and local climate, but in general, wait until the soil temperature is above 60°F (16°C) and the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C).

Before transplanting, harden off the cucumber starts by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days. Start by placing the plants in a sheltered, shady area for a few hours a day and gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and wind.

Direct Sowing Seeds Outdoors

Direct sowing cucumber seeds means planting the seeds directly into the ground outdoors instead of starting them indoors and transplanting them later. Here are the steps to direct sow cucumber seeds:

Choose a sunny location: Select a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day and has well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Prepare the soil: Before sowing the seeds, prepare the soil by removing any rocks or debris, and loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches. Add compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Sow the seeds: Sow the cucumber seeds directly into the soil, planting them about 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart. You can sow them in rows or in hills, with 3-4 seeds per hill.
Water the seeds: After sowing the seeds, water the area gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate.
Provide support: Cucumbers are climbing plants and can benefit from support, such as a trellis, fence, or stakes. I love growing my cucumbers on cattle panels steaked into the ground. It’s cost effective and sturdy.
Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to leave only the strongest plant in each hill or space them 12-24 inches apart.
Provide regular care: Water the plants regularly and deeply, avoiding getting the leaves wet. Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer, and monitor for pests and diseases. Harvest the cucumbers when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

Types of Cucumbers To Grow

Slicing cucumbers: These are the most common type of cucumber that you’ll find in grocery stores. They are usually long and slender with dark green skin and firm flesh. They are ideal for eating fresh in salads, sandwiches, or as a snack.
Pickling cucumbers: These cucumbers are shorter and thicker than slicing cucumbers and are often used for making pickles. They have a crisp texture and a slightly bitter taste, which makes them perfect for brining in vinegar and spices.
Burpless cucumbers: These cucumbers have a thin skin and are seedless, making them easy to digest and less likely to cause indigestion or gas (hence the name “burpless”). They have a mild, sweet flavor and are great for eating fresh or in salads.
Armenian cucumbers: Also known as snake cucumbers, these cucumbers have a light green skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They can grow up to three feet long and are best eaten when they are young and tender.
English cucumbers: These cucumbers are long and slender, with a thin skin and small seeds. They are often wrapped in plastic to protect their delicate skin and are ideal for eating fresh in salads or sandwiches.
Lemon cucumbers: These cucumbers are small and round, with a yellow skin that looks like a lemon. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are great for snacking or pickling.
White cucumbers: These cucumbers have a pale, almost white skin and a mild flavor. They are often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, such as tzatziki or tabbouleh.

For pickling, some popular cucumber varieties include:

Boston Pickling – Produces high yields of 3-6 inch long cucumbers that are perfect for pickling.
National Pickling – A disease-resistant variety that produces uniform, blocky fruits that are ideal for making pickles.
Homemade Pickles – A high-yielding variety that produces small, crispy cucumbers that are perfect for pickling.

For slicing, some popular cucumber varieties include:

Marketmore 76 – A widely adapted slicing cucumber that produces dark green, smooth-skinned fruits that are 8-9 inches long.
Straight Eight – A classic slicing cucumber that produces long, straight, dark green fruits with a crisp texture and mild flavor.
Diva – A burpless variety that produces crisp, sweet fruits with thin skin that are perfect for slicing and eating fresh.
Silver Slicer – A unique cucumber variety that is great for slicing and fresh eating. It is known for its crisp texture and tender skin. It is an open-pollinated variety that produces slender, straight fruits that can grow up to 8 inches long.

Cucumber Pests and Diseases

Pests

Cucumber Beetles
Aphids
Spider Mites

Diseases

Powdery Mildew
Downy Mildew
Bacterial Wilt

Preventing Pests and Diseases

Crop Rotation
Companion Planting
Organic Pest Control

Harvesting and Storing Cucumbers That You Grow

Harvesting Cucumbers

Pick frequently: Cucumbers can grow quite quickly, so it’s important to harvest them frequently. Leaving them on the vine too long can result in overripe or bitter cucumbers.
Check regularly: Inspect your cucumber plants regularly and look for cucumbers that are the right size and color for their variety. If you wait too long, the cucumbers may become too large and tough.
Harvest in the morning: The best time to harvest cucumbers is in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. This will help to reduce moisture loss and keep the cucumbers crisp.
Use a sharp tool: When harvesting cucumbers, use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem. Pulling or twisting the cucumber off the vine can damage the plant and reduce future yields.
Handle with care: Cucumbers are delicate and can bruise or scratch easily, so handle them with care when harvesting. Avoid dropping or throwing them, and try to avoid touching the skin too much to prevent damage.
Store properly: Cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place them in a plastic bag or wrap them in a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Avoid storing cucumbers near fruits like apples or bananas, as they produce ethylene gas which can cause cucumbers to ripen and spoil more quickly.

Storing Cucumbers

Refrigeration
Freezing
Pickling

Conclusion

When you learn how to grow cucumbers, you will be abundantly rewarded! Whether you’re growing slicing cucumbers for fresh eating or pickling cucumbers for making homemade pickles, with the right care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this versatile vegetable.

How To Grow Cucumbers | Everything You Need to Know