Cukes and questions
EAT YOUR VEGETABLES: Maryann James posts on vegetable gardening every Tuesday.
As I mentioned in my previous post, my cucumber seedlings did not make it. I bought all my seeds from Renee's Garden in early spring, including this bush slicer variety, a compact bush variety of cucumber that is recommended for container gardens. My dreams of cucumber vines climbing up my balcony railings were dashed, but my hopes of crisp juicy cucumbers were still high.
I planted in early May and thick cotyledon leaves quickly sprouted, but then the deluge -- our week of rain -- happened. I also fear the spurts of cold weather we've been having this year also contributed to their demise.
I'm going to try again, though. For future reference, here's some basics on cucumbers:
When should I plant?
According to The Southern Living Garden Book, seeds can be planted "at least 2 weeks after the last frost, or when soil and weather are warm." A little vague and a little difficult to pin down a particular time, but the OSU extension's recommendation of early to mid-May has already passed. (You can also plant in early July for a September harvest.)
How should I space my plants?
If planting in a garden, thin seedlings to 8 to 12 inches apart. If growing in containers, make sure the pot diameter is at least 12 inches, and thin the seedlings to the strongest two immediately after germination. (Aha! perhaps that was my mistake!) Grow one cucumber plant per container.
Other tips?
+ Even watering is key. Inconsistent watering can produce bitter fruit.
+ According to Southern Living, flowers may take a while to produce young cucumbers. Male flowers, which do not produce fruit, often appear first on cucumber vines. Be patient. The fruit-bearing ladies to show their faces.
+ Remove cucumbers as soon as they mature. Mature fruit left on the vine signals to the plant that it can stop producing.
(Photo by dydydada @ stock.xchng)
Comments
Thank you for your post on cucumbers. Sorry to hear about yours. Keep us posted on how the next group does.
Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Posted by: Dan and Deanna | May 19, 2009 11:38 PM