How to Grow Cucumbers A Comprehensive Guide

It really is well worth growing cucumbers. Eating home-grown cucumbers is a different experience to shop brought.  Home-grown cucumbers are crunchy and juicy compared to those sold in supermarkets. They are also in these days of high inflation and food prices, cheap and plentiful to grow.

Being nosey, I checked with a major food retailer to find out the shelf life of the cucumbers they sell. I was told that supermarket cucumbers are often picked between 4/5+  days earlier if grown in the UK before they even reach the shelves, or 10/11+ days if grown abroad.  This means when you buy a cucumber in a supermarket it could be up to 2 weeks old.  Home-grown cucumbers are fresh, the skin is thinner and not the least bitter; and they are a breeze to grow. Cucumbers almost grow themselves, which means it is definitely worth growing cucumbers. 

Cucumbers are members of the Cucurbits family, which include squashes, melons and courgettes and are a fast growing subtropical vine. Because they are quick growing, some can crop within 50 days. Cucumbers are worth making space for and a good crop to interest children in growing food.

When planting Cucumbers you do need to start with the right variety whether it is for indoor and outdoor cultivation. If you are growing cucumbers outside they need a warm  sheltered spot. They are not frost hardy (what does frost hardy mean?) and don't like it cool, so it is best to delay planting outside until the warmer weather arrives. This is important when growing cucumbers because if planted outside too early, there is a real risk of frost or cold damaging the plant. 

Like all Cucurbits, water carefully and sparingly at first. The small seedlings have a tendency to rot at the stem where it meets with the soil, particularly if over watered and the stem and surrounding soil becomes too wet. A good tip if this happens, or the weather wet, or just as a precaution, it's worth clearing the soil away from the stem to avoid it resting against the plant until the plant is more mature.

Once Cucumbers get established and start to grow it's the reverse, they require more water. An economical use of space is to grow the cucumber up a wigwam/trellis which has the bonus of keeping fruit off the ground and out of slug reach. (for tips on keeping slugs at bay) As they grow cucumbers, plants need support up a wigwam, or to be tied into a cane.  Feed fortnightly with a balanced fertiliser.

Cucumbers are vigorous and produce a lot of fruit. Just like courgettes, a few plants cucumber plants go a long way. To harvest cucumbers, simply pick when they look ready to eat.

Like Courgettes, cucumbers can suffer from powdery mildew and if so, pick off worst affected leaves, water and feed. For an effective recipe to make your own organic spray, which will keep powdery mildew at bay, follow this link.

Whether in the veg plot or under glass, all cucumbers like plenty of water and do not allow them to dry out. Cucumbers can't be left unattended and you will need a friendly neighbour to water if you go away.

Growing tip: later in the season when there are plenty of flowers and baby cucumbers, stop the growth. Pinch out the growth point so the plant's energy goes to the fruit development, not more growth. Don't let the plant grow too large at the expense of the fruit. Harvesting regularly which will encourage more fruit.