#44. The Cucumber Guide
There are a large number of cucumber varieties including several disease resistant and exotic kinds. There is also the pickling kind like the gherkin. The cucumber is one vegetable that is generally available throughout the year. It is however, at its best during the months of May, June and July. Cucumbers belong to the same family as the watermelon, zucchini, squash and pumpkin.
The growing process
Soil preparation: cucumbers grow well in soil enriched with organic matter. Well drained soil and a neutral pH--approximately 7.0 is good. These plants are not very difficult to cater to as they tend to be flexible about the pH level. The cucumber plant is a hearty one; it simply requires a rich soil and full sun. Use mulch to help the soil retain moisture because the sun does dry it out. Mulch also helps keep the soil pest free and clean.
Climate: cucumbers need plenty of sun and are ideally suited to a garden that gets about six to eight hours of full sunlight each day. Best planting temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, light frost can kill the plants.
Planting: cucumbers can be planted in containers, raised beds, hills or rows. Each plant will produce many cucumbers all through the summer. Staggering the plantings will enable you to harvest the cucumbers for a good long while. The cucumber plant grows as a vine; hence it is quite suitable for a container. You will need a trellis to support the vine. Alternatively, plant them into the ground in rows for example about seven feet apart. The end result should be a two point five foot space between plants. Being a warm season plant, the cucumber can be planted directly into the ground and thinned out to provide the plants the space they need.
Maintenance
Cucumber plants are easy to maintain. They need trellis support and regular watering. Watering is actually the important part of maintaining the plants. Weak seedlings need to be weeded out and thinning needs to be done to ensure sufficient space for the plants to grow.
Harvesting
The cucumbers will be ready for harvest anywhere between 55 to 70 days after planting. Pick them early rather than waiting to see how big they get. The big ones only get bitter; the seeds turn hard and the skin goes yellow on you.
Cut the vine about three eighth inches above the cucumber.