How To Plant Cucumbers

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Cucumbers

Cucumbers And Onions In A Jar

Cucumbers And Onions In A Jar

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.If you know anything about cucumbers, then you know that one plant can product A LOT of produce!I’ve tried making different cucumber salads and I still keep coming back to this one, my favorite.There are two ways to make this recipe, an easy side dish for dinner or putting in jars to save for later.If you’re making it for a dinner summer salad, just grab a medium or large bowl, add your cucumber slices, other ingredients and serve.If you have a large amount of cucumbers, you’ll want to make a larger batch.You can layer your cucumbers and onion in a jar and pour your vinegar mixture over the top.Just add thinly sliced cucumbers to a bowl or jar.I usually wait a couple of days before I eat them so the flavors really get soaked in to the cucumbers.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Can I Eat Cucumbers On Keto Diet

Can I Eat Cucumbers On Keto Diet

The best vegetables for keto diets include celery, tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms.Generally, a person following a keto diet should aim to limit their carb intake to no more than 50 grams (g) each day, according to one 2018 review .Recipe ideas People can try the following recipes to incorporate the best vegetables for keto into their diet: Breakfast Lunch Dinner eggs with spinach, leeks, and Greek yogurt celery soup cabbage rolls stuffed with cauliflower rice and beef mushroom-baked eggs with tomatoes, thyme, and arugula cauliflower steaks with roasted red pepper and olive salsa Thai broccoli rice tarragon, mushroom, and sausage frittata seared tuna and cucumber salad soy and butter salmon parcels with cucumber and sesame salad See a 1-week keto meal plan here.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Cucumber Leaves Turning Yellow With Spots

Cucumber Leaves Turning Yellow With Spots

The bad news is that to eliminate the disease you will have to remove the entire plant and any weeds that can harbor cucumber mosaic virus.Cucumber mosaic virus can live in the soil and affect your plants next year as well.cucumerinum, which may persist for long periods in the soil as durable spores (chlamydospores) or in association with plant debris.Fusarium wilt can occur at any time in the growing cycle and unfortunately, once infected cucumber plants have it they must be removed.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Is Cucumber Healthy For A Pregnant Woman

Is Cucumber Healthy For A Pregnant Woman

Drinking coconut water helps relieve morning sickness, constipation, and acidity that are common problems during pregnancy.Also, it’s safe during gestational diabetes which gives good sugar control and also prevents weakness.They are also rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, and contain plenty of fibre, useful for relieving pregnancy-associated constipation.In case of extra weight gain or gestational diabetes, one should look over the portion sizes.Regular intake of folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects such as bafida plug together with other neutral malformations.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Are Cucumbers Good For Diabetics To Eat

Are Cucumbers Good For Diabetics To Eat

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) considers cucumber a non-starchy vegetable, the “one food group where you can satisfy your appetite.” A 2011 study from Newcastle University even suggested that a low-calorie diet based on non-starchy vegetables might prove effective in reversing type 2 diabetes.phosphorus Cucumbers are good sources of plant chemicals with protective or disease preventive properties called phytonutrients such as: flavonoids.A high glycemic index food can heighten your blood sugar level.Animal studies linking cucumber extracts to lower blood glucose measurements exist, but they’re limited.A 2011 study concluded that diabetic rats had a decrease in blood sugars after a nine-day diet of cucumber seed extract.concluded that diabetic rats had a decrease in blood sugars after a nine-day diet of cucumber seed extract.A 2012 study indicated that cucumber’s phytonutrients are linked to blood sugar lowering effects in diabetic rats.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Will Cucumbers Grow In The Shade

Will Cucumbers Grow In The Shade

This is especially true during the hottest days of the growing season when afternoon shade is a relief after hours of intense morning sun.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Is Cucumber Good For Diabetes And Cholesterol

Is Cucumber Good For Diabetes And Cholesterol

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) considers cucumber a non-starchy vegetable, the “one food group where you can satisfy your appetite.” A 2011 study from Newcastle University even suggested that a low-calorie diet based on non-starchy vegetables might prove effective in reversing type 2 diabetes.phosphorus Cucumbers are good sources of plant chemicals with protective or disease preventive properties called phytonutrients such as: flavonoids.A high glycemic index food can heighten your blood sugar level.Animal studies linking cucumber extracts to lower blood glucose measurements exist, but they’re limited.A 2011 study concluded that diabetic rats had a decrease in blood sugars after a nine-day diet of cucumber seed extract.concluded that diabetic rats had a decrease in blood sugars after a nine-day diet of cucumber seed extract.A 2012 study indicated that cucumber’s phytonutrients are linked to blood sugar lowering effects in diabetic rats.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Cucumbers Onions And Tomatoes Recipe

Cucumbers Onions And Tomatoes Recipe

It's inexpensive to make using everyday ingredients, it's a crisp and refreshing side dish that goes with just about anything, and it has make-ahead convenience built right in.This recipe for Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad has most of the ingredients right there in the title.Cool, crisp cucumbers and juicy ripe tomatoes are teamed up with onions in a satisfying mix of flavor and texture.But what pulls this dish together is the tart and tangy salad dressing made of water, vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.After that, it goes into the refrigerator to marinate for at least two hours so the dressing can work its magic to enhance and balance all the flavors.That marination step means you can make this salad well ahead of time and stash it in the fridge until you're ready to dish it up.Cucumbers lose water quickly after they're picked and will start to show shrinking and wrinkling if they've been in storage for too long.Sweet onions are pricier, and as the name suggests, their flavor is milder and naturally sweeter.Vegetable oil is called out in this recipe, and it's a good choice because of its neutral flavor.The cucumbers might lose a little crispness after a couple of days depending on their freshness when you used them and how thickly you sliced them.The onions will continue to mellow and take up the sweet and tart flavors of the dressing.This crisp, light, sweet, tart, crunchy, juicy salad is a perfect side dish for everything from grilled foods and fried foods to saucy BBQ dishes and everyday picnic sandwiches.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

How To Grow Climbing Cucumbers

How To Grow Climbing Cucumbers

Learning how to grow cucumbers vertically can be a valuable addition to your kitchen garden skills, providing a bumper crop of this salad favorite right through the summer.– a great addition over a patio and when mixed with other climbers can also provide shade; Trellis – traditional method for growing cucumber vertically;.– compact way to grow cucumbers vertically, can work in a greenhouse and containers as well as outdoors;.– are an aesthetic choice but need to ensure that they are sturdy before training plants; A-Frame – provides a very stable structure on which to grow cucumbers, however it does take up a lot of space so is best suited for larger plots and vegetable gardens.Once your cucumbers have started to put on height, tie onto the pergola or trellis and continue to do this as they grow.When ripe, simply snip the connecting stem above the fruit and you've got a delicious addition to your sandwich or salad.Then as they grow, continue tying them to the pergola, slowly guiding them up and over to create a roof.For growing cucumbers vertically in a container garden, your best option is to use a wigwam structure to support the plant.'Plus, you'll also save on your garden's water consumption since the plant's roots are confined to a much smaller surface area.’.In small gardens, where space is at a premium and turning over room to vegetable production may feel like a luxury, growing cucumbers vertically will help you to transform your petite plot into a verdant homestead without sacrificing footprint.The fruit is less likely to rot before harvesting as it is not resting on the ground where the moisture from the soil will encourage decay.Plus, as the fruit is hanging it is less likely to be eaten by rabbits, slugs, snails or other ground foraging animals.Since the fruit can occupy a larger space than it can on the ground, it will result in straighter cucumbers and a more aesthetically pleasing crop.'The cucumbers that are grown vertically will also be cleaner and have fewer blemishes as well as being more uniform in growth and maturity,' explains Lindsey.There are lots of great ideas to try in relation to cucumber companion planting which will all help you get the biggest and tastiest homegrown crop.'Grow climbers, such as beans and cucumbers, up tripods and climbing frames, along with nasturtiums to attract blackfly away from crops, and sweet peas for added colour and scent,' says PL garden expert Leigh Clapp.In order to support them, you can create fabric slings to cradle the cucumber fruits and then tie them onto the trellis.As well as the ground space, you will also need between four and six feet of trellis, pergola or canes to support your cucumber plants as they grow vertically.However, cucumbers need between four and six feet of vertical height in order to grow successfully.Therefore, if you are planning to use tomato cages for your cucumbers it is important to check that they are tall enough, otherwise you might need to join two together to provide the necessary height.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

How Long Can Cucumbers Sit Out

How Long Can Cucumbers Sit Out

Therefore, learning how to store cucumbers properly will mean you’ll keep getting your serving of the thirst-quenching green for as long as possible.Research by University of California, Davis, found that cucumbers are sensitive to temperatures below 50f / 10c.But, it is worth bearing in mind that they are also very sensitive to ethylene gas.This is produced by a wide variety of fruit and vegetables as they ripen and decay.So, don’t think about cozying your cukes up with the rest of your greens or they’ll go bad quickly.Secondly, keep them dry in the fridge by wrapping them in paper towel or placing them in a plastic bag to keep it safe from any external moisture.Cut or sliced cucumbers should be placed in an airtight container and eaten within 48 hours.Any that you sliced the end off should have the exposed flesh covered in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.If it will fit inside an airtight container, it’s even better to put it in there in addition to wrapping up the end.If you start to see any wrinkles or dents in it, then it’s a sign that the cucumber is old and most likely gone bad.The roots of mold go a lot deeper into food than you realize.This stops any of the bitter oil in the darker skin spreading over the rest of the cucumber.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Can You Grow Cucumbers In A Patio Pot

Can You Grow Cucumbers In A Patio Pot

Just give them sunshine and consistent moisture and enjoy a bumper crop of crisp fruits all summer long.Plus, cucumbers grown in pots typically have fewer issues with pests and diseases so planting in containers can actually reduce potential problems.I feature many of them in my award-winning book, Veggie Garden Remix, but basically, cucumber varieties fall into two main categories: bush or vining.Bush cucumbers form short vines, just two to three feet long and don’t require a trellis.They are perfect for pots, cascading over the side of a container or hanging basket, or you can support them with a tomato cage.They can be grown in pots but choose large containers, at least eighteen inches in diameter to ensure adequate root room.Bigger is better as a larger volume of soil holds more water but is also heavier and less prone to tipping over.Don’t try and rush cucumbers into containers too early as they’ll be prone to cold or frost damage.If you want to start your cucumber seeds indoors, be sure to sow them at the right time, which is just three to four weeks before you intend to move them to their pots.Plants grown up have better air flow around the leaves, reducing many common disease issues.If grown on a deck or patio, growing them on a support takes up less space and keeps your outdoor living area more tidy.It’s a very efficient and simple way to grow container cucumbers and results in healthy plants and a large harvest.– In my polytunnel I grow cucumbers in fabric planters or plastic pots training them vertically up strings.It’s a very efficient and simple way to grow container cucumbers and results in healthy plants and a large harvest.If growing in planters or containers on a deck, balcony, or patio, the netting can be hung from a railing, wall or other structure.To encourage healthy growth, place your containers where they will receive plenty of sunlight (at least eight hours a day) and provide regular moisture.– Because cucumbers are heavy feeders, I add a slow release organic fertilizer to the potting mix at planting time.It helps to grow resistant varieties, but keeping an eye out for potential problems also allows you to take action before they get out of hand.For detailed information on cucumber plant problems, be sure to check out this excellent article by Jessica.Once pollination has occurred it takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the variety, for the female flower to become a fruit.Many heirlooms are prolific and offer a large harvest of crispy fruits, but newer hybrids often have better disease resistance.Spacemaster – This popular cucumber starts pumping out six to eight inch long fruits less than two months from seeding.This is a great variety for pots as well as hanging baskets as the plants grow only two to three feet long.I grow Picolino in pots in my garden and polytunnel for a generous crop of delicious mini cucumbers all summer long.It’s always a popular cucumber in our garden as everyone loves the mild, almost sweet flavor of Suyo Long.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

How Do Cucumbers Grow From Flowers

How Do Cucumbers Grow From Flowers

The male flowers open first and grow in clusters of three to five, while the female flowers grow on a single stem.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

How Often To Pollinate Cucumbers

How Often To Pollinate Cucumbers

Susan enjoys being creative with gardening and accents that add to the beauty that nature gives us.I have many times planted cucumbers in my garden, hoping for a bountiful crop.So, I decided to educate myself on why the bees had snubbed my garden and did not do the difficult job they do every day during the season, which most of us take for granted.I really don't know the reason—perhaps my neighbors had a more appetizing pollen in their garden—but the bees passed my cucumber plants by.The female cucumber flower has a tiny little fruit behind it that looks like a long stem.However, I did not know then about the pollination process of cucumbers, and I was oblivious to the fact that my bees had apparently moved on, despite the flowers I had planted in my garden to attract them.Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Will Cucumbers Cause Acid Reflux

Will Cucumbers Cause Acid Reflux

It is a well-known fact that diet plays a decisive role in the annoying symptom known as heartburn or acid reflux – often as a trigger, or root cause.Studies are now showing us that certain unexpected vegetables are in fact great home remedies for acid reflux symptoms.At the end of the article we'll show you an easy and tasty anti-heartburn smoothie recipe, which combines the power of all these natural ingredients.The goal of this article is to present you with 5 vegetables, which almost everyone already has at home and which are excellent remedies for heartburn, as recent studies show.They help buffer the acid reflux, support the digestion process, reduce the burning sensation and soothe the inflamed stomach lining.The foods used during this study were broccoli, cucumber, kale, radish, lemon juice, cold milk and curd.However, I would like to expressly point out the risks of milk and curd as home remedies for heartburn.Although these have a positive effect on many people in the short term, as the studies have shown, they are unsuitable for safely fighting heartburn.Cow’s milk is both difficult to digest and relatively greasy, and therefore remains in the stomach for a long time, thus stimulating gastric acid production.Both studies conclude that the tested foods have significant antacid effects, and can therefore be recommended as anti-heartburn additives for your own diet.Furthermore, it contains not only water, but also many vitamins such as B (stress control), C (antioxidant - good for the heart), E and minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, potassium (sustain healthy blood pressure).With regard to heartburn, cucumbers are an alkaline food and thus neutralize acid in the body by increasing the pH value.The alkaline characteristics of the spinach are crucial with regard to heartburn and make it an excellent antacid.In short, according to a study by the University of Manchester, spinach is extremely healthy and first and foremost protects the eyes in two ways:.By a very high percentage of beta carotene, spinach protects against night blindness.Furthermore, the magnesium contained in the spinach helps the cardiovascular system by regulating the blood pressure.Even one portion raw spinach salad is sufficient to lower high blood pressure within a few hours.Kale is also a vegetable with highly alkaline properties and therefore suitable as a natural remedy for heartburn.If you are interested in all the details of the anti-carcinogenic properties of the broccoli, I can recommend this summary page from Greenmedinfo to launch for your further reading.Broccoli contains a lot of vitamin K and the calcium content is even higher than many dairy products.This characteristic flavor stems from the radish containing a high amount of mustard oils, which are an additional help against your heartburn.1 leaf of kale - fresh and without stems (because of the tough fibers it’s best to chop it a little, unless you have a very powerful blender).

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Why Have My Cucumbers Get Spikes

Why Have My Cucumbers Get Spikes

Slicing cucumbers, however, do not make good pickles due to their high water content.Cucumbers require a long growing season, and most are ready for harvest in 50 to 70 days from planting.Watch for the first female flowers to open—they're the ones with the miniature cucumber right beneath the flower—and expect ripe fruit in 8 to 10 days.Most cucumbers develop a deep green color, but some cultivars have a white or yellow tint or a dappled appearance, so check the tag or seed packet.If you plan to make dill pickles, a good rule of thumb is to harvest when the cucumbers are three to four inches long.Most slicing cucumbers for fresh eating should be harvested when they are six to nine inches long and have a dark green color.If the cucumbers have a lot of spines, remove them by rubbing a cloth or a soft vegetable brush along the length of the fruit.Some people leave cucumbers on the vine and let them grow as large as they can, but the flavor is better if they are harvested earlier.Cucumbers are warm weather plants and you can't sow seed outdoors early.Keep them directly in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator or in an open container with a paper towel to collect excess moisture.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

What Fruits And Vegetables Can Be Grown Hydroponically

What Fruits And Vegetables Can Be Grown Hydroponically

Well, today I’m going to make it easy for you to choose the perfect plants to start.Below you’ll find a list of some edible easy-to-grow plants (infographic included) that work very well with the Hydroponic cultivation.Lettuces, the perfect ingredient for the salad sandwich in your kitchen, are probably the most common vegetables that are grown in Hydroponics.They grow super fast in a hydroponic system and are fairly easy to take care of.Lettuces can be grown in any Hydroponics system, including the NFT, Aeroponics, Ebb & Flow, etc.Many types of tomatoes, including traditional and cherry ones, have been grown widely by Hydroponic hobbyists and commercial growers.Botanically, the tomato is a fruit, but most people whether sellers or consumers consider it as vegetables.The great news is that people have grown Kale hydroponically for so many years, so definitely you can do it in the water system.Cucumbers are a common vining plant that is grown at home and in the commercial greenhouses.They enjoy a rapid growth under sufficient condition and hence give very high yields.The favorite vegetable that can be either eaten raw or cooked in your meal does grow well in the water-based environment.You can get up to 12 weeks of continuous harvesting under a good condition of climate and growing environment.Mints, mainly peppermint and spearmint, have been grown extensively whether in soils and hydroponics.Their aromatic compounds in mints are refreshing, and pungent, which proves their use as a flavor for food and beverages.Mint roots spread so quickly, making it ideal to grow with Hydroponics.In fact, these fruits are one the most popular plants grown in commercial hydroponic production.However, you can still enjoy delicious fresh strawberries to feed all your family by growing them at home and harvesting the fruits all year long.Blueberries, a great fruit high in vitamins for your meal, can be grown well in Hydroponics.Peppers need the same hydroponic growing condition like tomatoes – warm temperature and large amounts of lights.But experienced growers have planted them in their soilless systems for years and enjoyed excellent yields.If space is limited, it’s best to avoid squash, melons, pumpkins, corn and other large plants.And these types of plants tend not to give as good results as they are in the soil.As someone new to Hydroponics, it would be smart to go with easy to grow plants that enjoy rapid growth.As a consequence, you can get the result and learn the experience fast, then feel inspired to move to something harder.They can strive for other plants like tobacco, large melons, pumpkins, sunflowers, and so on.That requires regular huge attention and persistence until you get the yields, just like anything worthwhile in life.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Is Cucumbers Bad For Little Dogs

Is Cucumbers Bad For Little Dogs

As owners, we tend to assume incorrectly that all fruits and vegetables must be healthy for dogs if they are good for us.Veterinarians recommend that treats should only make up 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.As with any new food, introduce cucumbers slowly into your dog’s diet and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.They are especially good for dogs that need to lose weight, as their low-calorie content offers some rewards without the rolls.This crunchy vegetable is actually 96 percent water, which makes it a tasty and hydrating summer treat after a vigorous walk.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Easiest Cucumbers To Grow In Pots

Easiest Cucumbers To Grow In Pots

While many veggies in the cucurbit family are easy to grow (I’m looking at you zucchini), cucumbers tend to be a little more finicky.After all, in pots, these sensitive cucurbits are less exposed to pathogens and their environment can be more easily monitored for optimal growth.Skeptical but willing to give it a try for a chance to grow your own delicious cucumbers and crunchy pickles?When left to their own devices, these types will cascade down the side of the pots but won’t venture much farther.Bush Slicer – This robust dwarf cuc produces long, straight fruits on short vines.These hardy plants are resistant to disease and grow well in cool and hot weather.– This robust dwarf cuc produces long, straight fruits on short vines.Pick a Bushel – This compact plant produces short, two-foot-long vines and develops fruit early–perfect for short-season climates.It puts out short vines with medium-sized fruits and matures quickly so you can start enjoying your harvest sooner.Many of these types of cucumbers can grow up to eight feet long, so be sure you have the horizontal or vertical space to spare before you pick up any of these seed varieties.Diva – This special vining variety does not require pollination by insects to produce fruit, which makes it a great choice for container gardens on apartment balconies and other areas that don’t get a lot of bees.– This special vining variety does not require pollination by insects to produce fruit, which makes it a great choice for container gardens on apartment balconies and other areas that don’t get a lot of bees.Lemon – These eight-foot-long vines produce fun, round, yellowish fruits that are perfect for snacking.Vining cucs require a large trellis–up to 8 feet high–or a lot of room to spread out along the ground.Plastic, ceramic, and even cloth pots all make excellent choices for growing cucumbers.While cloth pots are lighter, it is more difficult to contain the moisture that comes out of them, making them a poor choice for using indoors.Whatever material you choose, just make sure the pot is at least 16 inches deep and a foot wide and can hold around 6 gallons of soil.Vining types, however, will benefit from a larger, heavier pot, especially if you plan to train them to grow vertically.Cucumbers are warm-season plants, which means they require soil over 60 degrees to germinate and are not tolerant to freezing temperatures.When your seedlings are small and the weather is still cool, you’ll only need to water every few days to keep the soil moist.The key is to keep the soil consistently moist to the touch at all times, without allowing the dirt to get soggy.Place the cage over the seedling and gently push the vines back inside the wires every few days until they start crawling up.For vining varieties, you will need to build a long trellis using posts and mesh, netting, or strings.Picking the cucumbers often (before they start to swell with seeds) will make for tastier fruit and encourage more production.If you expect an early cold-snap with warm weather to follow, you can use a sheet to protect your large plants or bring smaller, bush varieties indoors.If you do expect a hard freeze and still have fruits on the vine, pick anything that is close to ripe so you don’t lose it.Training vines to grow vertically where there is better airflow and less moisture buildup will help you avoid problems with this disease.– Like all cucurbits, the wide leaves of the cucumber plant are prone to this fungus, which causes white, powdery residue to cover the foliage.Training vines to grow vertically where there is better airflow and less moisture buildup will help you avoid problems with this disease.The best defense against these pests when growing cucumbers in pots is to keep the plants a good distance away from ground gardens and other foliage.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Are Cucumbers Okay For A Dog

Are Cucumbers Okay For A Dog

As owners, we tend to assume incorrectly that all fruits and vegetables must be healthy for dogs if they are good for us.Veterinarians recommend that treats should only make up 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet.As with any new food, introduce cucumbers slowly into your dog’s diet and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.They are especially good for dogs that need to lose weight, as their low-calorie content offers some rewards without the rolls.This crunchy vegetable is actually 96 percent water, which makes it a tasty and hydrating summer treat after a vigorous walk.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Field Cucumber Vs English Cucumber

Field Cucumber Vs English Cucumber

But, in reality, there are actually close to 100 varieties of cucumbers grown in the world, most of which the average consumer does not find.While these varieties are similar in appearance, there are differences which make them unique in the way they are prepared and consumed.Their color, prior to pickling, can vary from yellow to pale or dark green.Gherkins, also known as cornichons or baby dills, are one of the best-known varieties of pickling cucumbers.If you're peeling, de-seeding and dicing your cucumber, chances are any slicer variety will work for you.But if you're serving whole slices, the extra cost for an English cucumber might be worth it since neither peeling nor de-seeding will be needed.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

How To Care For Cucumbers Plants

How To Care For Cucumbers Plants

Growing cucumbers is for warmer weather: Plants are so frost-tender that they shouldn't be set into the garden until soil temperatures are reliably in the 70-degree range (no less than 2 weeks after the last frost date).You can increase the season's yield of bush varieties by planting several crops in succession 2 weeks apart.Lemon cucumber offers smaller fruits perfect for a single serving, while Boston Pickling boasts classic heirloom taste.Whichever cucumber variety you choose, you can rest assured that you'll get a strong start with Bonnie Plants, a company that has been around for over 100 years.Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter.When soil is warm, add a layer of straw mulch to keep fruit clean and help keep slugs and beetles away.In areas where spring is long and cool, you can warm the soil 3 to 4 degrees by covering the hill or row with black plastic.If you do not plant in black plastic, then mulch with pine straw, wheat straw, chopped leaves, or your favorite organic mulch shortly after planting.Mulch is especially important to keep the fruit clean for bush types and vines not growing on a trellis.Straw mulch is also thought to be uncomfortable for slugs and creates an uneasy footing for cucumber beetles, helping to keep them at bay.Just keep the soil consistently moist with an inch of water per week (more if temperatures sizzle and rain is scarce).For best results, high quality plant food is just as important as starting with great soil.Vines are also bothered by cucumber beetles, which chew holes in leaves and flowers and scar stems and fruits, but worse than that, they spread a disease that causes the plants to wilt and die.Yellowing at the bottom (blossom end) of a cucumber signals overripeness; remove the fruit immediately.If you don't eat a slicing cucumber all at once, cover the unused portion in plastic wrap to prevent dehydration in the refrigerator.In fact, it's a good idea to wrap your whole cucumbers in plastic or store them in a zipper bag in the fridge to keep them crisp.Set cucumber transplants at the base of your trellis, and mulch after planting unless the soil could use a little more warming.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Do Cucumber Plants Like Full Sun

Do Cucumber Plants Like Full Sun

Cucumber plants like full sun and will grow best with lots of direct sunlight – 8 to 10hours per day is ideal.Cucumber plants can grow indoors without direct sunlight if you provide the right type of artificial light.In this article, we’ll talk about how much direct sunlight cucumber plants need and ways to provide more.We’ll also talk about what happens when cucumber plants get too much sunlight and how to prevent this problem.Cucumber plants grow best with full sun (6 to 10 hours of sunlight per day).(By the way, cucumbers are native to India, and they belong to the same family as melons, squash, and pumpkins: Cucurbitaceae).The University of Maryland Extension suggests that cucumber plants should get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.So, don’t limit their light intake during the day if you can help it: give them both morning and afternoon sun.So, if lack of sunlight is a problem in your yard, put the cucumbers in a spot where they can get late morning or afternoon sun.The only possible exception is if you are worried about damaging the fruit on your cucumber plant due to thin leaves.– if you forget to harden off your cucumber plants when transplanting outside, the intense sunlight (and other outdoor factors) can damage them.If a cucumber plant is started indoors and then exposed to too much intense sunlight all at once, its leaves may scorch.On the other hand, gradually exposing a plant to more sunlight each day will give it the chance to acclimate and adjust to the new environment.Instead of scorching the leaves, intense sunlight is more likely to damage the fruit on established cucumber plants.The leaves of cucumber plants protect the fruit from sunlight and prevent premature ripening.According to the Utah State University Extension, too much intense sunlight exposure can cause cucumbers to ripen prematurely.There are ways to protect cucumber plants from heat and sun – the name of the game is to provide shade.– drape a piece of shade cloth over a trellis or cage that is supporting your cucumber plant.The structure itself can provide shade, but vining plants that grow up and over will add block even more sunlight.– if you are handy, you can build an arbor or pergola to provide shade and heat relief for your cucumber plants.The structure itself can provide shade, but vining plants that grow up and over will add block even more sunlight.It may make sense to remove low hanging leaves on a trellised cucumber plant to avoid disease from splashing soil in the rain.It may make sense to remove low hanging leaves on a trellised cucumber plant to avoid disease from splashing soil in the rain.Choose Disease Resistant Varieties – if your cucumber plants stay healthy, they will have more leaves and a stronger root system.More roots help them to find water during a drought, and more leaves shade them from intense sunlight.An arbor can provide some shade for cucumbers and other plants if the sun is too intense during the hottest part of the day.If sunny space is limited in your garden, try to create more by pruning back the branches of nearby trees.The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests waiting until at least 2 weeks after the last frost date to plant seeds or transplant cucumbers outdoors.You can learn more about the lowest temperatures cucumber plants can tolerate (and how to protect them from cold) in my article here.Cucumber plants can still produce some fruit with some shade during the day, but they would need an artificial light source to grow indoors.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Why Is My Cucumber Dying

Why Is My Cucumber Dying

Troubleshooting is one of a gardeners finest skills, so let’s find the answer and save your little cucumbers!But sometimes it takes a little bit of deeper searching to figure out what exactly is causing your little cucumbers to “bite the dust”.To test your moisture, when you put your finger in the soil it should feel moist about 2-3 inches down (about your second knuckle).Since cucumbers also love the sun and the warmth, sometimes this can cause your soil to dry up too quickly.Generally cucumbers need about 1-2 inches of water per week, drip irrigation or a soaker hose is best.Keeping your cucumbers in a nice sunny spot will make them very happy, and will quickly dry up any moisture on the leaves if they do get a little wet.Too much moisture in the soil or on the plant itself is like a big invitation to all sorts of fungus and disease.Pests, unlike disease, you can generally get a handle on with different pesticides (homemade or store bought).have strange patterns emerge on the leaves or cucumbers, it’s likely some sort of a disease or fungus.Cucumbers may turn yellow due to being over ripe, over watered, or because of a nutrient deficiency.If you wait too long to pick your cucumbers they will turn yellow and bitter, and won’t taste very good in your salad.Your cucumber is ready to be picked when it is a bright medium green colour and is nice and firm.If you overwater your cucumber plants, not only do they become waterlogged and can suffer from root-rot, but the excess water can wash away important nutrients from the soil.Bacterial wilt will cause your cucumbers and vines to suddenly wither and die.Bacterial wilt is spread by cucumber beetles, which is another reason you need to stay on top of pest control.If you started your cucumbers indoors in pots, and then upon transplanting the seedlings to your garden they quickly died, you are not alone.Cucumbers are fast growers, so unless you live somewhere where the season is extremely short, you should have no problem sowing the seeds outside.Just remember that cucumbers are sensitive little guys, so wait until the temperature is consistently over 70℉ to plant.Most likely your lemon cucumbers are dying due to watering issues, disease or insects.You can plant things such as radishes, buckwheat and catnip will attract beneficial insects to your garden which will help to control the cucumber beetles.Depending on the symptoms of the leaves, your cucumber may be suffering from bacterial wilt, powdery mildew or being over/underwatered.This annoying disease spreads quickly through your plant, causing it to seem healthy one day and be wilting and dying the next.But it can also spread across the plant eventually turning from white spots to brown dying leaves.If you’ve used insecticides without considering how/when to use them so as to not disrupt pollinators, they may have decided not to pay your garden any more visits!Collect pollen from the male plant with a fanned paintbrush, and brush the female flowers gently.Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose is the best way to water your cucumbers to limit the amount of moisture that gets onto the foliage.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

How Deep To Plant Cucumbers In Pots

How Deep To Plant Cucumbers In Pots

Cucumbers are an essential summer vegetable, and one that is easy to grow and extremely productive – even in containers!Just give them sunshine and consistent moisture and enjoy a bumper crop of crisp fruits all summer long.Plus, cucumbers grown in pots typically have fewer issues with pests and diseases so planting in containers can actually reduce potential problems.I feature many of them in my award-winning book, Veggie Garden Remix, but basically, cucumber varieties fall into two main categories: bush or vining.Bush cucumbers form short vines, just two to three feet long and don’t require a trellis.They are perfect for pots, cascading over the side of a container or hanging basket, or you can support them with a tomato cage.They can be grown in pots but choose large containers, at least eighteen inches in diameter to ensure adequate root room.Bigger is better as a larger volume of soil holds more water but is also heavier and less prone to tipping over.Don’t try and rush cucumbers into containers too early as they’ll be prone to cold or frost damage.If you want to start your cucumber seeds indoors, be sure to sow them at the right time, which is just three to four weeks before you intend to move them to their pots.If grown on a deck or patio, growing them on a support takes up less space and keeps your outdoor living area more tidy.It’s a very efficient and simple way to grow container cucumbers and results in healthy plants and a large harvest.– In my polytunnel I grow cucumbers in fabric planters or plastic pots training them vertically up strings.It’s a very efficient and simple way to grow container cucumbers and results in healthy plants and a large harvest.If growing in planters or containers on a deck, balcony, or patio, the netting can be hung from a railing, wall or other structure.To encourage healthy growth, place your containers where they will receive plenty of sunlight (at least eight hours a day) and provide regular moisture.– Because cucumbers are heavy feeders, I add a slow release organic fertilizer to the potting mix at planting time.It helps to grow resistant varieties, but keeping an eye out for potential problems also allows you to take action before they get out of hand.For detailed information on cucumber plant problems, be sure to check out this excellent article by Jessica.Once pollination has occurred it takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the variety, for the female flower to become a fruit.Many heirlooms are prolific and offer a large harvest of crispy fruits, but newer hybrids often have better disease resistance.Spacemaster – This popular cucumber starts pumping out six to eight inch long fruits less than two months from seeding.This is a great variety for pots as well as hanging baskets as the plants grow only two to three feet long.I grow Picolino in pots in my garden and polytunnel for a generous crop of delicious mini cucumbers all summer long.It’s always a popular cucumber in our garden as everyone loves the mild, almost sweet flavor of Suyo Long.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author

Cucumber And White Vinegar Recipe

Cucumber And White Vinegar Recipe

During the summer months, I make this easy side dish about once a week.Add vinegar, warm water, sugar, salt, and pepper to a bowl.You can start marinating these cucumbers in the vinegar mixture for up to a day ahead of time.Store any leftover cucumbers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Author

Edward R. Forte Author