Cucumbers
A rewarding, heat-loving crop. Choose outdoor varieties for growing outside in the UK, or greenhouse types for prolific, blemish-free fruit.
Cucumbers seeds
£2.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – May, indoors in pots on a propagator or warm windowsill
Plant out
Late May – early June, after all risk of frost has passed
Harvest
July – October, when fruit is a good size and uniformly green
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6-8 hours a day
Water
Plentiful and consistent. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent bitterness and fruit distortion.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)
Spacing
60-90cm (2-3ft) between plants
Containers
Suitable for large pots (30cm/12" minimum) or grow bags, especially bush varieties
Indoors
Greenhouse or polytunnel growing is highly recommended for best results in the UK
Care and harvest
Feeding
Once fruiting begins, feed weekly with a high-potash liquid feed (e.g., tomato food)
Pruning
Train main stem up a support. Pinch out side shoots at 2 leaves beyond a female flower (outdoor) or at 2 leaves (greenhouse). Remove male flowers on all-female (parthenocarpic) varieties.
Harvesting
Cut fruit from the vine with a sharp knife when young and tender, before seeds develop. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but may lose flavour if too cold.
Good companions: Dill, Radishes, Nasturtiums