Gardenboss.org is reader-supported. That means as an Amazon Associate we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at absolutely no extra cost to you).
Growing cucumbers is a must for those who enjoy pickles or fresh cucumber slices.
Cucumbers are a great plant to grow gardens that lack full sun, or even in pots on the back porch.
But, there’s more to growing cucumbers than tossing seeds in the dirt and hoping for the best.
Read on below to learn everything you need to know about these tasty green veggies!
About Growing Cucumbers
Growing cucumbers is best done in warmer seasons as they don’t do well when frost is still present in the mornings. If you live in a warm climate zone, planting is best done in the early spring (Feb through March) all the way up to June or July. In cooler climates, plant from April to June. Make sure to space cucumbers in rows, or mounds, with three of four feet between each other and up to six feet between each plant. Place the seeds no more than an inch deep in the soil.
Quick Cucumber Information
| How much light is needed: | In the full sun, the best will grow if they have at least 8 hours of full sunlight per day |
| How much water is needed: | At least an inch of water per week, if it is very warm and soil is dry water them extra |
| Is it best to start with seeds or plants: | Either, depends what each individuals personal preference |
| The best month to plant: | in mild climates between April and June, in warmer climates from February to March through July |
| Preferred climate/temperature: | 65 to 75°F degrees (18-23°C) |
| Is indoor or outdoor growing better: | Depending on the type of cucumbers, both ways are good |
| Do indoor plants need to be pollinated: | Pollination necessary |
| Level of difficulty to grow: | Easy to grow and very prolific |
| Plant height: | 6-8 feet on average, can be longer |
| Time from planting to harvest: | 50-70 days |
Tips for Growing Cucumbers
1. Pick the perfect for and type of cucumbers
The perfect spot for cucumbers gets a lot of sun, at least 8 hours or more but also requires a few hours of shade for best results. How much space is needed depends on the type of cucumber you decide to grow.
Cucumbers grow in different shapes and sizes. Make sure that your plants have enough space for healthy growth. Before planting, remember to fertilize your soil.
Cucumbers grow the best in loose sandy loam soil but can grow just fine in well-drained soil. Planting adjusts to the right season ( mid climate from April to June and warmer early as fro, February basically through July).
Pro tip: plant your cucumbers in little hills, or mounds like in this YouTube video from ehowgarden.
2. Watering and care
Cucumbers generally don’t need more than one inch of water per week. In specific weather conditions such as very warm periods that are not followed by periods with enough rain, they may insist on more watering.
Soak hoses or drip irrigation are the best ways for watering cucumbers. That’s because they will prevent leaf diseases caused by too much moisture on the top layer of the soil.
3. Cucumbers need to be regularly harvested
Once, when cucumbers finally start to grow crops, make sure to harvest them. If not they will block future growth. The whole energy of the plant will go into making existing cucumbers bigger, not in the new flowering, and producing more fruit.
Cucumber FAQs
What do cucumbers need to survive?
Cucumbers need loose sandy loam soil or even any well-drained soil will be fine. Enough water and nutrients and a very sunny spot in your garden. To prevent any kind of disease or issue with your plants make sure to check stocks and leaves very often.
How long do cucumber keep producing during one season?
Depending on weather conditions and other factors (the type of heat, sun, and water, your cucumber plants are exposed to, as well as pests) harvesting season lasts for about three weeks up to a month.
What are the varieties and types of cucumber?
Cucumbers may be broken down into two groups; pickling and slicing.
Pickling varieties are useful for all kinds of seasonings. This type grows up to six inches only.
Bush pickle is our choice. A great choice for limited spaces such as smaller size gardens and pots. Grows more like a bushy type and can produce a big amount of light green 4 to 5-inch fruits.
Slicing varieties are best to use as fresh like in salads and sandwiches. Can grow up to 12 inches long.
Ashley is our choice. Good to grow in hot and humid spaces without having issues. Produces dark green 6-8 inches fruits.
A Final Word About Growing Cucumbers
Growing cucumbers is fun and exciting, like growing most veggies that taste great and work well in various recipes or eaten raw. Hopefully, our quick guide to growing cucumbers helps you successfully start growing cucumbers!
Do you have questions about growing cucumbers? Or possible some pro tips to share with our audience? If so, please feel free to share in the comments section below.
Further, if you found this article helpful, why not share the love and give us a share on social media? We’d sure appreciate the support!
Thanks for reading and good luck with your cucumbers!
Suggested Reading: GROWING STRAWBERRIES: A QUICK GUIDE
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
