Cucumber Growing GuideUpdated 11 days ago

Cucumbers are a popular, easy-to-grow vegetable that thrives in warm weather and produces a plentiful harvest. Here’s how to successfully sow and grow cucumbers:

When to Sow

• Outdoors: Sow cucumber seeds after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F.
• Indoors: For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors once the weather is consistently warm. Learn more about when to sow cucumbers.

Outdoor Sowing

• Choose a sunny, well-drained location.
• Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spaced 12 inches apart.
  • Bush Varieties: Space rows 3-4 feet apart.
  • Vining Varieties: Space rows 4-6 feet apart.
• Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
• Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist until germination (7-10 days).

Indoor Sowing

• Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in seed trays or pots with light, well-draining soil.
• Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light, ideally using grow lights.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have 2-3 sets of true leaves and frost danger has passed.

Care & Maintenance

• Sun & Water: Cucumbers require full sun and regular watering, especially during fruiting. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Trellising: Trellising vining varieties saves space and improves air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer when the plants begin to flower. For disease management, see disease-resistant cucumbers.

Pests & Diseases

• Common pests include cucumber beetles, aphids, and spider mites.
• Protect young plants with row covers and manage pests with insecticidal soap.
• Cucumbers are susceptible to powdery mildew and downy mildew. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues. Learn more about pruning cucumbers to improve airflow.

Harvesting

• Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size based on the variety.
• Regular harvesting encourages further production.
• Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small stem attached. Avoid letting cucumbers become overripe, as they can turn bitter. For tips on picking and harvesting cucumbers, explore more here.

Garden Use

• Cucumbers can be grown in traditional garden beds, containers, or raised beds.
• They work well as companion plants for beans, corn, and radishes, improving garden health and pest control. Trellised cucumbers make efficient use of space, adding vertical interest to the garden. If you're into preserving, explore pickling cucumbers.