Cucumbers
Introduction
Cucumbers are a tender heat loving plant that are part of the squash family along with melons, gherkins, courgettes, and pumpkin. Unlike their butternut, winter squash, and pumpkin cousins they are not hardy, and need careful attention from the gardener to be successful.
My favourite way of growing cucumbers is in a polytunnel. They thrive in the warm conditions, producing an early summer harvest. It is even possible to grow cucumbers on a sunny windowsill. The plants are natural climbers, so you will need to find a way to support the plants, and the heavy fruit, when they mature.
Planting
- Sow in a warm environment (propagator or windowsill)
- Planting depth: 1.5 cm
- Planting spacing: Individual pots, or 60 cm between plants, 60 cm between rows
Harvesting
- Pick at the optimum size for the variety (do not allow to grow too large)
- Enjoy fresh, or alternatively, pickle
(inside)
(outside)
(fresh)
(stored)
= jar, 
= freeze, 
= store
Varieties
Cucumbers are typically divided into indoor and outdoor types, with indoor types having smooth skins (like those seen in the shops), whilst outdoor cucumber varieties have ridged skins and prickles. Whatever type is grown, I think the flavour of homegrown cucumbers is superior to those commonly found in the shops, with a more concentrated flavour and less watery texture. My favourite types are the smooth skinned short cucumbers, which are sweeter to taste and great for snacks (eaten on their own like raw carrots).
There are different shapes and sizes to choose from, and each have their own characteristics:
- Short indoor cucumbers are ideal for an early harvest
- Long indoor cucumbers take longer to harvest
(a combination of short and long cucumbers gives an extended picking season) - Mini cucumbers are ideal for pickling
- Round yellow cucumbers as a novelty to show to family and friends
The easy way for a gardener to organise their growing and discover gardening ideas.
Growing
Both indoor and outdoor types perform well when grown under the protection of a greenhouse, polytunnel, or conservatory. This is the easiest and most successful way to grow them, as cucumbers are tender plants that enjoy warm conditions. However, only outdoor types are likely to be successful outside, and they should be sown in sheltered and sunny locations.
The time to sow seed is different depending on whether the cucumber varieties are indoor or outdoor types. Indoor varieties can be sown from February, with the first cucumbers ready from June onwards. Outdoor varieties are sown later from April, with the first harvest towards the end of July.
I plant my cucumber seeds length ways 1.5 cm deep on their ridges in already moist soil, cover with cling film, and then place on a warm windowsill to encourage germination. When cucumbers are seedlings, avoid over watering as this can kill the plants.
Cucumbers are like other members of the squash family in that they grow best in a rich soil that should be kept moist throughout the growing season.
Depending on the variety, cucumbers can produce both male and female flowers. The key difference is that the male flowers do not have baby fruit growing behind them. It is recommended to:
- Pinch out the male flowers if growing cucumbers indoors
(this helps stop the fruit becoming bitter) - Leave the male flowers on outdoor growing cucumbers
It is possible to buy cucumber seeds cultivated to only produce female flowers. This is more expensive, but a good option for a busy or inexperienced gardener.
When cucumbers are in flower they should be watered regularly to ensure the soil is moist. At this stage, the plant is safe from the danger of over watering, providing their pot or soil has reasonable drainage.
Cucumbers are best picked at their ideal length (which varies according to the type of cucumber) and not left on the plants to become overripe. Overripe cucumbers have thicker skin and larger seeds inside the fruit. Picking frequently will encourage more cucumbers to set.