Growing Cucumbers At Home

Cucumbers are a low fuss summer vegetable staple which is which is perfect for growing at home.  As long as they have access to plenty of water and a good amount of sunlight, you’re all set.  And because they climb they will grow in all kinds of spaces (did anyone say vertical garden?).  Click here to read more about vertical gardens.

Snapshot

Cucumbers grow on vines and bushes, although the vines are more common because they usually produce more fruit.   However, cucumber bushes work well in small spaces, in indoor gardens and in hydroponic conditions.

Where Do Cucumbers Grow Best?

Cucumbers grow best in full sun.  The soil should have a pH of about 7.

Make sure you use a good fertiliser to ensure your cucumbers have all the nutrients they need.  Like most vegetables the soil needs to be moist and with good drainage.  Make sure your soil isn’t too compacted.  This is vital because cucumbers need to be watered twice a day.

When Should You Start Growing Cucumbers?

Cucumbers can be grown from seeds or saplings.  Beware, cucumbers do not like cold so do not plant them outside too early in the Spring.  Try growing saplings your indoors before transplanting then outside when the temperatures get a little bit warmer.

Ways You Can Grow Cucumbers At Home?

Vines and trellises

Space the plants about 1 foot apart and plant the seeds about an inch into the soil.

Bushes

Space the plants about 2 feet apart and again, plant the seeds about an inch into the soil.

It’s a good idea to cover the soil in mulch after planting.  This will help retain water, retain some heat and also keep pests at bay.

Indoors

Cucumbers can grow indoors as long as they have access to sunlight, are kept warm and watered regularly.  Click here for a couple of great options for indoor garden kits.

Watering

Cucumbers love water!  You should water your cucumbers at the roots (avoid the leaves) slowly every morning and every evening. If you keep the soil moist with regular watering you will be rewarded with better tasting fruit.

Increase the watering once the saplings come through and again once you start seeing fruit.  If you think this seems  like a lot of water, remember cucumbers are 90% water.

Harvesting Your Cucumbers

Grown in the right conditions, cucumbers are prolific fruiters.    You should be picking cucumbers every few days.  Don’t let your cucumbers get too big or they’ll get bitter.

Cucumbers are best eaten when they are a consistent green, with a firm feel to them.

Remember to keep picking your cucumbers otherwise the plants will eventually stop producing them.

Cucumbers are best stored in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic.  If stored properly, cucumbers will last for up to 10 days.

Wrap up

As you can see, it’s not that hard to grow cucumbers at home.  So what are you waiting for?  It’s officially cucumber season!

Not sure cucumbers are right for you?

Click here to read my article about  growing tomatoes at home.

Click here to read my article about  growing strawberries at home.