About Cucumbers
Few experiences rival the sheer satisfaction of biting into a crisp, chilled cucumber on a scorching summer afternoon. Versatile in their utility, they serve as delightful snacks, refreshing additions to salads, and can even nourish the skin. Infusing water with cucumber lends it a subtle, revitalizing flavor. As the summer wanes, the surplus yield can be preserved through pickling, ensuring enjoyment throughout the year. While cucumbers may contend with pest problems, their cultivation from seed remains relatively straightforward. Typically, most varieties mature for harvesting within a span of 50 to 70 days.
When to Plant Cucumber Seeds
Cucumbers should be directly sown three to four weeks after the last frost in the spring. Wait until the soil has warmed to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting your seeds.
They can be started indoors four to six weeks before your last frost using a grow light and seed starting soil mix.
Where to Plant Cucumber Seeds
Pick a site that gets lots of sun and has rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
Plan out your garden spacing by making sure you know which type of cucumber you’re planting: bush or vining. While spacing largely depends on variety, here are some general estimates:
For rows: Plant seeds around four to six inches apart in rows that are two to three feet apart.
For mounds: Create small hills that are around one to one and a half feet in diameter and a few inches high, spacing mounds at least two feet apart, and plant three or four seeds per mound.
For vining varieties on support structures: Plant two to three seeds per foot.
How to Plant Cucumber Seeds
To directly sow your cucumber seeds, plant the seeds after the last frost date when the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F at a depth of one inch. You can amend your soil with compost or aged manure prior to planting, preferably in the fall so it will over-winter. Make sure to keep soil moist, avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Plant the seeds approximately one inch deep. Germination generally takes around 10 days when temperatures are about 70°F.
Early planting can be facilitated by using black plastic mulch, which elevates the soil temperature. Apply the black plastic mulch to the prepared soil in the spring, cutting holes or slits for seed planting.
For vining varieties we suggest you use a trellis or support structure that will keep your cucumbers above the soil surface. Allowing them to sprawl along the ground will invite disease and pests, will take up room in the garden, and may create malformed fruit. When planting varieties like Suyo Long Cucumbers or Painted Serpent Cucumbers, a trellis will encourage the production of straight fruit. We also love the use of a trellis to bring in some architectural interest and height to your garden area.
Another planting method involves creating a “hill” by sowing three or four seeds close together. Maintain a distance of two to three feet between hills. For bush types with short vines, you can plant them in closely spaced rows or hills, leaving only two to three feet between rows or hills. Another fun option is to grow them in containers, like our Patio Snacker!
Cut the weakest plants once seedlings emerge.
How to Harvest Cucumbers
Harvest cucumbers before they are fully mature, as cucumbers tend to get seedy once they’re at their largest. They grow very fast, so be sure to check often to see if it’s time to harvest. Make sure to cut them off the vine, as pulling them off can damage or break the vine and prevent further production.
For those keen on crafting pickles, we suggest exploring several prolific varieties tailored specifically for pickling, such as the heirloom Boston Pickling or National Pickling. To ensure crispy results, it’s essential to prepare them within a few hours of harvesting.
