Recommended time to grow cucumbers

Added on 19 February 2020

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Growing cucumbers isn't difficult if you understand their needs. Cucumbers originated in the tropics and thrive in moist, warm conditions. Depending on your climate, they grow best from late spring to late fall. Cucumbers need plenty of room in the garden. If space is lacking, plant them on a trellis or try compact bush varieties.

Planting Time

Cucumbers are warm-season crops that don't tolerate frost. In mild climates with long growing seasons, plant them outdoors between April and June. In very warm climates, plant cucumbers as early as February or March through July. Plant only after soil and air temperatures are predictably above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. To warm soil and accelerate the planting process, spread black plastic over the garden and secure it with stones or landscaping pins. This raises the soil temperature by as much as 10 degrees. Cut holes in the plastic for the seeds and keep the soil evenly moist through drip systems or soaker hoses.

Growing Season

Cucumbers need 55 to 70 days to grow and produce fruit, depending on the cultivar. To speed up the process, start cucumbers indoors five weeks before outdoor planting time or buy nursery seedlings. Soil type also affects growth. Moist, clay soils produce abundant cucumber crops, but sandy, light soils warm up faster and accelerate harvest times. Both soil types have their benefits and drawbacks, but sandy soils produce a crop faster than clay. Amend very heavy soils with compost or manure to improve drainage and growth.

Harvest

Slicing cucumbers are ready to harvest when they grow 5 to 8 inches long and are 2 inches in diameter. Harvest pickling cucumbers when they are about 3 inches long. Don't leave cucumbers on the vine to grow larger. They become bitter, shriveled and dry, and the plants stop producing new fruits. Twist the fruits gently from the plants, rather than cutting them, which can spread disease.

Tips for Success

A few years ago, cucumbers were plagued by disease and pests, and the fruit was often bitter. Modern growers have bred cucumbers to eliminate most of these problems. Select a cucumber cultivar known to perform well in your area. Well-known varieties include "Sweet Success," "Sweet Slice" and "Bush Champion." Mulch cucumbers with dried grass clippings or black plastic to conserve moisture and plant them in full sun. Shade and dry conditions can cause bitterness. Some cucumber seed packets contain mostly female seeds with a few male seeds, which are brightly colored. Plant both types to ensure pollination.

Source: Homeguides
Photo by Kelly Neil on Unsplash