Growing
Cucumbers are sensitive to cold and should not
be planted outside until the weather is
warmer usually
October or November in a warm sheltered position. During winter I
grow
cucumbers in my garage and
train them to grow over bamboo hoops, as
cucumbers do
not have to sprawl
they can climb.
Sow half a dozen seeds in each spot and later then out the weaker half of
seedlings.
Germination takes 6-9 days, they do not transplant well, so leave them in
the
pot or
garden sown.
Cucumber
When the main runners are 50cm long and have 6+ leaves the tips should be
pinched
out to induce
the formation of lateral stems and early fruiting.
When flowers are beginning to appear apply a week liquid fertiliser weekly.
The soil needs to be moist at all times, but do not put water on the leaves
as this
encourages mildew and
fungi to thrive
When the first fruits start to swell feed with Tomato Fertiliser
It takes 12-14 weeks from sowing to harvesting. Small cucumbers are
gherkins and as
they become
larger they become cucumbers.
Don't tug fruit from the stem, cut them with a sharp knife.
Continuous harvesting will encourage more production
Storing
Wrap in plastic and store in the refrigerator,
they will stay fresh for a week.
They are not suitable for freezing so pickling cucumbers or making a relish
is the best method of keeping excess cucumbers.
Telegraph Cucumbers growing in my garage
