Cucumbers are tender annual, trailing plants, grown outdoors or undercover for summer cropping. Gherkins are short-fruited types harvesting young and usually pickled. The longer cultivars are generally eaten raw, in salads, and as garnishes. There are a large diverse number of cultivars including hybrid, Apple, and English. There are numerous organic varieties available.

Ideal Location- An outdoor location for cucumbers should be a warm sheltered site with rich fertile moisture retentive soil. Outdoor types need average temperatures between 64-86F (18-30C) and will become damaged if temperatures fall below 50F (10C).

Indoor cultivars need night temperatures to remain above 68F (20C). Cucumbers can be grown in border soil, large containers and can make an unusual ornamental feature if grown on a fence or archway.

Seed to Harvest – for cucumbers is generally around 12 weeks

Cultivation- Prior to planting outdoors, apply a low to medium soil improver. On heavy clay soils, mound up the earth before planting. Ideal soil pH is 5.5-7.

Sow undercover in a heated propagator or similar to maintain the temperature to at least 68F (20C) until the seeds germinate. Seedlings must be kept at a minimum temperature of 60F (16C) and indoor cultivars at 68F (20C). Use cell packs or biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots.

Sow seeds on their side at a depth of ½ in (1.5 cm). Start outdoor crops no more than 1 month after the last frost date. Harden off plants prior transplanting. Plants may need cloches to establish well. When planting leave the root ball slightly above the soil surface to reduce stem rot.

Spacing- Cucumbers grown on the ground should be 24-30in x 4-5Ft ( 60-75cm x 1.3-1.6 M) , Grown trellised 18x39 in ( 45x100cm)

Plant Care- Water regularly though out the growing season, and mulch plants with straw that are grown on the ground to keep fruit clean. Remove any male flowers appearing on greenhouse or indoor cucumbers. All female type may produce male flowers if stressed.

Harvesting- Cut fruits once large enough checking regularly for hidden fruit. Best kept in a cool room in plastic film rather than a refrigerator.

Problems- Slugs and aphids, mainly outdoors, red spider mite, cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, and stem rot.

Nutrients- The flesh of cucumbers is a very good source of vitamins A, C, and folic acid. The hard skin is rich in fiber and a variety of minerals including magnesium, silica, molybdenum, and potassium.Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue.