Cucumis sativus
SPACE REQUIRED: At least 100cm x 100cm.
DISTANCE APART: 100cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are around 15cm long. To do this, use secateurs to cut the stem, leaving some of it attached.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day unless it rains.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes, but it needs to be quite large such as a barrel or a tub! Fill it full of premium potting mix. Plant the seedlings and then water. Make sure there is room for the vine to spill over the sides.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes. The garden bed must get at least 6 hours of sun every day. Mix some compost or animal manure into the soil, water lightly then plant the seedlings. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil and water the area well.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Cucumbers have lots of best buddies. It gets on really well in the garden with beans, corn, lettuce peas, radish and onions.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Don’t fertilise too early. Wait until the flowers start to appear and then sprinkle on a granular fertiliser especially for fruit and vegetables.
- Cucumbers will happily climb up a trellis if one is available.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.