Cucumbers are a summer staple. Plus, the delicious cucumber plant is a great way for gardeners to bring their hobby to the table. (And yes, botanically, cucumbers are fruits because they grow from flowers and contain seeds.)
Read on to learn more about growing your very own cucumber plants this summer!
Varieties of Cucumber Plants
Many people are not aware of how many different varieties of cucumber there are. Each variety comes in different sizes, colors, and shapes. Here are a few of the more common varieties:
- Marketmore: The Marketmore is one of the more prolific and easy-to-grow varieties. These are great for beginners, or gardeners looking to try something new.
- Lemon: These round, pale yellow cucumbers generate numerous seeds, but you can easily scoop them out to use the fruit as an edible bowl.
- English: These cucumbers are known for their thin skin and a mild taste. Gardeners should note that these also require a longer growing season.
- Spacemaster: These cucumbers are perfect for container gardens.
Now that you have an idea of what cucumber to grow, it’s time to learn more about the best environment and locations for your cucumber gardens.
How to Grow Cucumbers
Light
Cucumbers do best when planted in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 hours each day. However, they’re known to be able to tolerate a little less if needed.
Temperature and Humidity
Cucumber plants thrive in the summer heat. The plants will grow in both dry and humid conditions as long as they’re properly maintained.
Soil
Well-draining and loose soil is key to growing cucumber plants. However, the plants will do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Try adding compost or aged manure to the soil to help encourage more growth.
Water
When fruits are present, it’s essential to ensure the plants get at least 1 inch of water each week. However, make sure you don’t let the plants sit in wet soil, nor is it beneficial to allow the soil to dry out. For the best growth, and the best taste it is important to regularly water the plants.
Harvest
It’s best to harvest your cucumbers when they’re a bit immature; after maturity, the fruits will start turning yellow and have a bitter taste. The packaging or label should provide more information on recommended harvesting sizes for the variety chosen.
The best method for harvesting is to cut the fruit off the vine. This prevents the additional damage that occurs when the fruits are pulled off the vines.
Keep An Eye Out
Many plants have a few pests or diseases that gardeners should remain wary of, and cucumbers are no exception.
Squash vine borers, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles are known to seek out cucumber plants; cucumber plants are also susceptible to both bacterial wilt and powdery mildew, but watering the soil rather than the plant itself can help prevent these diseases.
For more information on maintaining your garden, make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
