Cucumbers are the perfect summer vegetable for any gardener to grow and these crisp, refreshing vegetables are perfect for summer salads and drinks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you grow cucumbers successfully.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cucumber Varieties
Cucumbers come in two main types: indoor and outdoor. Indoor cucumbers require a warm environment, making them ideal for growing in greenhouses or polytunnels, and they produce long, smooth fruits and don’t need pollination. Outdoor cucumbers, also known as ridge cucumbers, can tolerate lower temperatures and can be grown in sunny spots outdoors, and these have shorter, thicker fruits with rough skins and need insect pollination.
Sowing and Planting
You can start sowing cucumber seeds indoors from late winter to early spring. Use peat-free, multi-purpose compost and keep the temperature of the soil above 20°C to allow the seeds to germinate. Sow two seeds per pot, 1-2cm deep, and keep the compost moist. Seedlings should appear in 7-10 days and once they develop their first true leaves, thin them to one plant per pot.
For outdoor sowing, wait until late May or early June, after the risk of frost has passed. Directly sow the seeds into prepared holes, cover with cloches or fleece to keep the soil warm, and protect seedlings from slugs and snails.
Planting Out
Transplant indoor seedlings to their final positions after the last frost. In greenhouses, plant them 60cm apart in borders enriched with plenty of organic matter or containers. For outdoor cucumbers, harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions, then plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot with plenty of organic matter added to the hole. Provide sturdy supports like bamboo canes or trellises for trailing varieties.
Caring for Cucumbers
Cucumbers need regular watering. Applying mulch to the soil will help retain moisture and keep the area weed-free. In greenhouses, increase humidity by misting the plants or damping down the greenhouse floor. Feed weekly with a high-potash fertilizer like liquid tomato food once the plants start flowering.
Harvesting
You can start harvesting cucumbers about 12 weeks after sowing. For the best flavor and texture, pick them when they are the size recommended for the variety. Indoor cucumbers can continue to fruit until October if kept warm. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut the fruits from the plant.
Common Issues and Solutions
Cucumber plants can face problems like powdery mildew, red spider mites, and cucumber mosaic virus. To prevent these, maintain good humidity levels in greenhouses, water plants at the base to avoid wet leaves, and use mildew-resistant varieties. If you notice signs of disease, remove and destroy the affected plants to prevent spreading.
Recommended Varieties
- Party Time: A snack sized cucumber. Ideal for lunch boxes or a sweet treat for children. Part Time is a new compact cucumber variety.
- Marketmore: A ridge cucumber with short, dark fruits, a mild flavour and consistent cropping. Suitable for outdoor growing.