Growing Cucumbers - Benefits and Instructions

 

Benefits of Growing Cucumbers

  • Medicinal- Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. Cucumbers also contain polyphenols called lignans, which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers
  • Nutritional Profile - Vitamin B1, B5 and B7, potassium, copper and fiber.
  • Use in: Salads, fresh eating, pickles, kimchi, cocktails, smoothies.
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Growing Instructions 

Culture:

Sun Exposure: Full sun.
Soil: Soil pH of 6.0-6.8. As they are heavy feeders, an application of compost or well-rotted manure worked into the planting area will help. Regular applications of a complete soluble fertilizer during the growing season is beneficial. 
Moisture: Plants should not be allowed to wilt. Make sure they are well-watered before transplanting. Spread a mulch around plants before they start to vine, to cut down on weeds and conserve moisture. The mulch will also help to keep the fruit clean.
Planting: Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks prior to last frost or direct seed after all risk of frost. For indoor planting use 2 inches square jiffy strip pots and plant 1-2 seeds per square; thin to ensure one plant per pot.  
Spacing: Plant 2 cucumber plants per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method.  Or plant in rows 6 inches apart. If growing on a trellis, space plants 18 inches apart.
Sow seeds: Plant seeds 1⁄2-1 inch deep 

 

Harvesting:

Pick slicing cucumbers when they reach 6-8 inches long; pickling types at 3-5 inches. Keep mature cucumbers picked off the vines to encourage a longer yield. Harvest cucumbers for pickling early in the morning.

Storage/Preparation:

There is research suggesting cold temperature actually speed up the decay of cucumbers. Cucumber can be stored in a basket out of direct sunlight in a cupboard or panty for up to a week. Alternatively, cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure cucumbers are incredibly dry, then individually wrapped in paper or tea towels, and placed in a OPEN plastic bag. Cucumbers are ideal for pickling and fermenting.

Companions:

Bush bean, cabbage family, corn, dill, eggplant, lettuce, radish, pea, tomato

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