This morning I planted my cucumber seeds! I started 2 flats using some of my DIY Potting Soil blend. This year, I am growing Marketmore, Lemon, and Burpless. It’s been a while since I’ve grown lemon cucumbers so I’m looking forward to them.
Brief description: Cucumbers are part of the gourd family. They grow from a creeping vine plant. They are broken into three varieties: pickling, slicing, and burpless.
Where to Plant Cucumbers: Plant cucumbers in a sunny spot. They prefer warm weather {soil temperature should be at least 70}, so make sure to plant after the last frost. Cucumbers can be planted in raised beds, garden beds, or containers using a trellis.
Planting Seeds: Plant seeds 1/2″ deep, 6 seeds per pot or mound. When plant has 3 leaves, thin to 3 per mound.
Growing Tips: Cucumbers like rich soil, so mix a little compost in with your planting. You can train cucumbers to grow up a trellis if space is an issue.
How to Harvest: Read your seed packet to find out length of a full-grown cucumber for the variety you chose. It’s better to pick them at the specified length–any larger and they will start to taste bitter. Most cucumbers are ready 55-70 days after planting. To harvest, pull or cut the cucumber off of the vine.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
Here are a few of my Favorite Cucumber recipes:
Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint
Fun Fact: If grubs start to eat your cucumber crop, slice a cucumber and put it in an aluminum pie tin. The cucumber will react with the metal and put off an odor {undetectable to us} that will drive the slugs away.
The Prudent Homemaker says
I’m growing Armenian cucumbers. It’s already 90º here (today) and it is supposed to be 98º on Tuesday. Armenians are the only ones that actually have flowers in our super hot summers (zuchinni won’t even flower because it’s so hot). I usually grow them on a trellis but I am going to do some on the ground this time in my front yard. The other thing is that they can get 2 feet long and not be bitter. They’re awesome! I’m only growing these from now on!
Alicia says
I planted lemon cukes for the first time last year and oh my yum!! They are great! Can’t wait for more this year. 🙂 I think the other variety I’m trying this year are Straight Eights or something like that. Wasn’t thrilled with my green ones last year.
Mary Ann says
I planted Muncher (5), Marketmore (1), and Burpless Hybrid (9). So far, I’ve harvested four Muncher and two Marketmore. I started the Burpless Hybrid later, but they’re now showing some a couple inches long.
I just planted more Muncher and Burpless Hybrid seeds two days ago. Hoping to keep the cukes coming all summer long!
Laurie says
Please tell me what you are doing right. I planted cucumbers plants in mid June and don’t even have flowers yet. I gave them compost and some manure. They get sufficient water. I have green peppers plants that already have some small peppers.
I live in NW Washington.
Thanks,
Laurie
Mavis Butterfield says
Hi Laurie, my cucumbers don’t have flowers yet either. Hang in there!
Diane says
Mavis – as a fellow Pacific NW’er, I thought I should let you know about my fave slicing cucumber: Raider Hybrid. I’ve grown them for two seasons now, and they produce TONS of cukes all summer and even into early fall, if the weather stays fairly dry. The cukes are very tasty and crisp, and I’ve even used them successfully for pickles when I didn’t know what else to do with all that produce. I’ve got to get the seeds planted within the next few days – it’s time!
Francisca says
Hi Diane, I will have to look into the Raider Hybrid for next year. I am in Port Angeles and have not had much luck with cucumbers. The ones I an growing this year so far are only half are looking good. Maybe I transplanted them to early. I did cover them but… we will see. They are Persian babies from Botanical interests.
Diane says
I keep my cucumber starts under lights indoors, or in the greenhouse until close to the beginning of June, Francisca – when the soil is good and warm. Since you’re quite a bit farther north than I am (in Portland), you might want to try doing the same, if you’ve got a place to keep them inside. Good luck!
Francisca says
I did start them under lights and your probably right. I should have waited to plant them outside. So far three of the five still look like they are going to make it. Thanks for the good luck wishes. I am going to need it. 🙂
tim says
I have a big pile dirt i planted lots of pumpkins watermellon cantalope
cucumbers
this is the first time i planted them
im thinking i should get tons of fruit