Paperclip Cucumber on the vine Cucumber on the vine

How to Grow Cucumbers

Andrew White

Andrew White

Rhino's Gardening Enthusiast & Greenhouse Expert

For passionate gardeners, the allure of growing fresh, crunchy cucumbers in your own garden or greenhouse is hard to resist. With the right knowledge and a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this versatile vegetable that's perfect for salads, pickling, or simply snacking. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of growing cucumbers, from choosing the correct cucumber variety to harvesting and maintenance tips.

Cucumbers

What to consider when growing cucumbers

  1. Selecting the perfect variety: Before you start planting cucumbers in your garden, it's essential to choose the correct cucumber variety that suits your preferences and the climate. Here are some popular cucumber varieties to consider:

Outdoor varieties: These cucumber varieties are best suited for the UK's unpredictable weather. 'Marketmore' and 'Bush Champion' are excellent choices. They thrive in outdoor conditions and are known for their reliability.

Greenhouse varieties: If you have a greenhouse, you can also opt for varieties like 'Mini Munch' or 'Telegraph Improved.' These varieties require a more controlled environment and can be grown successfully with the help of a greenhouse.

  1. Soil preparation: Cucumbers thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. To prepare your garden soil for cucumber planting:

- Start by clearing the area of any weeds or debris.
- Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility.
- Ensure good drainage by adding sand or perlite if your soil is heavy.

  1. Sowing cucumber seeds: When it comes to starting your cucumber garden, the process begins with sowing the seeds. This crucial step sets the foundation for healthy, thriving plants later on. Selecting the right seeds, preparing the soil, and timing the sowing are all key considerations for a successful cucumber crop.

Cucumbers can be grown from seeds or transplants. If you opt for seeds, you can start them indoors in late winter or early spring (February to March) and here’s how:

- Fill small pots or seed trays with good quality seed compost.
- Sow cucumber seeds about 1 inch deep and water lightly.
- Place the pots or trays in a warm location with plenty of sunlight or use a heated propagator.
- Once the seedlings have two true leaves, transplant them to larger pots or directly into garden soil.

  1. Planting cucumber transplants: For those who prefer to start with transplants, you can purchase young cucumber plants from garden centres. Planting transplants is relatively straightforward:

- Wait until the risk of frost has passed in late spring or early summer (usually May).
- Dig planting holes in your garden soil, spacing them about 18 inches apart for bush varieties and 24 inches apart for vining varieties.
- Carefully remove the young cucumber plants from their pots and place them in the holes, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Water thoroughly after planting to help the transplants establish.

  1. Providing the proper care: Growing cucumbers requires regular care to ensure a healthy crop. Here are some essential care tips:

Watering