How to plant cucumbers

Added on 13 February 2020

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Cucumbers are warm-season vegetables that grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. The cucumber grows 1 to 6 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide, depending on the variety. Most varieties of the cucumber are dark green, but some are white, cream and yellow. There are three varieties of cucumbers: slicing, pickling and burpless. All varieties are planted the same way, except indoor types may be grown in a greenhouse, because they require high humidity and temperatures in a range of 64 to 86 degrees F. Cucumbers grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4a to 11b.

Planting Transplants

Start plants indoors in mid-spring to late spring about four weeks before transplanting outdoors. Sow two to three seeds in a 2- to 3-inch pot.

Place a heat mat set to 70 degrees under the seeds. Avoid watering until after germination. Maintain a minimal temperature of 65 degrees.

Keep the soil moist during germination. Maintain a minimal temperature of 60 degrees, and keep the plants in good, even light. Thin out all but the strongest seedling.

Harden off seedlings when they are at the three-to-four leaf stage in late spring to early summer.

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Make holes or a trench about 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Till in 1.85 cubic yards of well-rotted manure and compost to a depth of 6 to 8 inches per 100 square feet. Mound 6 inches of soil, spacing mounds 18 inches apart for climbing plants and 36 inches apart for bush plants

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Plant the seedlings deep enough so the stem is not covered. Irrigate consistently, watering when the soil is dry past the first joint of your finger.

Direct Seeding

Plant seed in spring after the risk of frost has passed, when soil temperatures are 60 degrees or warmer.

Make holes or a trench about 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Till in 1.85 cubic yards of well-rotted manure and compost to a depth of 6 to 8 inches per 100 square feet.

Mound a pile of soil 6 inches tall. Space mounds 18 inches apart for climbing plants and 36 inches apart for bush plants. Plant about four to six seeds to a depth of 1 inch in the middle of the mound. Cover the seed, and then tamp the soil lightly.

Thin out all but two to three healthy seedlings per mound. Irrigate consistently, soaking with 1 inch of water when the soil is dry past the first joint of your finger.

Things You Will Need

§ 2- to 3-inch pots

§ Heat mat

§ Well-rotted manure

§ Compost

Tip

§ Do not plant cucumbers outside until after all risk of frost has passed.

Source: Homeguides
Photo Courtesy of Sunnyhomecreations