Cucumbers are a fantastic snack. They are versatile, healthy and delicious. These vegetables make great additions to salads and other meals, too. These tips and information for planting and growing cucumbers will help you in your garden or greenhouse.
Botanical Information: Cucumis sativus
Quick Facts:
Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day.
Varieties:
There are many varieties of pickling cucumbers. The most common are:
Carolina
Fancipak
Little Leaf H-19
Starting:
Pickling cucumbers are typically a warm-weather plant. Start cucumbers indoors 3-6 weeks before you plan to transplant them into the garden. You can also direct sow them in the garden 2-3 weeks AFTER all danger of frost is passed, and the soil is warm.
Spacing:
Sow the seeds about 1 ½ inches deep and cover the seeds lightly with soil. In rows, plant the seeds a few inches apart, in hills sow 4-5 seeds per hill. Thin the hill grown plants to the best two seedlings when they have their first true set of leaves.
Companions and Enemies
Some plants can help sweet potatoes grow. The most common are dill, legumes, root vegetables and sunflowers.
On the other hand, some plants will hinder sweet potatoes from growing. The most common are melons, potatoes, sage and fennel.
Watering :
The main care requirement for cucumbers is water—consistent watering! They need one inch of water per week. Unless temperatures are extreme, more water would be beneficial. You can put your finger in the soil and when it is dry past the first joint of your finger, it is time to water.
It is important to note that inconsistent watering can lead to bitter-tasting fruit.
Light:
Full sun is the best opportunity for cucumbers to grow. If pickling cucumbers do not get sufficient light, they are most likely going to produce poor fruit or an overall lower yield. This means, cucumber plants should receive at least 8 hours of sun per day.
Pollination:
Pollination is required for cucumber plants. Without pollination, cucumbers could be deformed, slow growing or even no growth at all. Cucumber plants can be pollinated by bees or other insects. If that is not an option, hand pollinating would be the best option. This can be done by shaking the plants.
Common Problems
The most common insects or infections that bother cucumbers are cucumber beetles and powdery mildew.
Harvesting
Harvesting ripe cucumbers at the right time ensure sweet fruits that have no bitterness. Cucumbers left on the vine too long have a bitter taste that ruins the fresh flavor. Harvest when the fruit is the right size, which is usually eight to ten days after the first female flowers open.
Storing & Preparing
Cucumbers are stored both in the fridge as well as on the counter. They will last longer in the fridge, especially in the crisper drawer.
If cucumbers are cut or sliced, store them wrapped in a damp paper towel and in an airtight container.
Planting and Growing Cucumbers can be easy with these tips.
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