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How to Grow Cucumbers
Home Grown Cucumbers
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How to Grow Cucumbers
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Cucumbers, relatives of squash, melons, and pumpkins are a nutritious and tasty fruit [veggie-fruit], and are a good source of many essential minerals. They are also said to help aid digestion and constipation. Many people use cucumbers on their skin as a beauty aid, a cleansing cosmetic to soften and whiten. Cucumber juice is used in beauty products
Cucumbers can be planted directly from seed, or from transplanted seedlings. Place cucumber transplant or Seeds outside only after the danger of frost has passed in your region In USDA zone 4 and north [USDA Zone Map], though, you'll need to use short-season varieties and utilize cold frames. I generally plant my seeds indoors , in peat pots several weeks before moving them outdoors, this practice leaves time for a second planting for fall harvest in mid- to late summer. About a month ahead of planting, Spade the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. This is about the depth reached by most shovels or spading forks, and is ideal for growing cucumber transplants. Plant cucumber seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep and thin the seedlings to one plant every 12 inches in the row or to three plants every 36 inches in the hill system. Plant cucumber transplants 1 to 2 feet apart in rows 5 to 6 feet apart when they have two to four true leaves Don't allow the transplants to become overgrown within the containers this will hinder the transplant and adaptation process. Cucumber vines have shallow roots and require ample soil moisture at all stages of growth. When fruit begins to mature, adequate moisture becomes essential in growing cucumbers.
For best yields, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when the vines begin to develop. A cucumber fence Tip: Pinch off the growth tip of the plants after they have developed 6 or 7 true leaves. This will encourage the production of side shoots
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How to Grow Cucumbers
Watering
Cucumbers have a shallow root system and suffer from inadequate irrigation , provide adequate moisture. Water the garden to provide uniform and sufficient moisture to the soil - a depth of at least 6 inches.
The critical period for moisture is during fruit set and fruit development.
Cucumbers need at least 1 inch of water weekly during the growing season. Always soak the soil thoroughly when watering. this helps to promote good root development. Inexpensive water timers are available.
How to Grow Cucumbers
Fertilizer and Soil
Cucumbers are a quick-growing crop, and must be well supplied with moisture and plant nutrient elements throughout the growing season. Scatter 1 cup of a fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 10-20-10 for each 10 feet of row. Work the fertilizer into the soil and leave the surface smooth.
About a week after blossoming begins, and again three weeks later, use a high nitrogen fertilizer to side-dress the hills. Do not excessively fertilize as this will produce luxurious vines and scrawny low quality cucumbers.
Compost and Mulches will conserve soil moisture, prevent soil compaction and minimize rotting of the fruit, as well as suppress weeds. Black plastic mulch can be a valuable aid in keeping the soil moist and minimizing weed problems.
The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. See article on adjusting soil pH for further information. Also See Understanding Fertilizer Labels
How to Grow Cucumbers
Companion Planting
Radish ,Marigold, and Nasturtium grown with cucumber repels cucumber beetles.
Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Savory also share a symbiotic relationship with cucumbers.
Cucumbers do not fare well in close proximity of Potatoes and various aromatic herbs.
See: Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening
Harvest & Storage of Cucumbers
Harvest cucumbers before seeds are half-size. This will vary with variety. Pickling cucumbers will be more blocky and not as long as slicers. Store slicing cucumbers in the refrigerator . Place in plastic bag. Storage life is about one week. Do not Freeze
Pickling cucumbers should be cooled quickly in ice water and can be kept up to two days in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Do not Freeze
See: Preserving the Harvest: Pickling
or similar support is also recommended Cucumber plants in individual peat pots or cell packs experience little or no transplant shock and become established quickly. 
