How to grow cucumbers

When growing cucumbers it is best to choose a location where the soil is loose and well drained. The soil content should be high in organic matter and have a ph of around 6.

The preparation of the soil should begin a month before by digging over the soil and removing all weeds. Applying a layer of manure will help to give the plants nutrients when growing.

The time to begin growing the cucumber plants is when there is least chance of a frost. Seeds should be started off indoors in peat pots to avoid damage to the root system when transplanting to the garden. The seedlings should be ready to be transplanted into the garden after 12 to 14 days.

Space the plants in groups of 3 and spacing the groups at 2ft apart. If you are growing cucumbers in rows, space the rows at 3ft apart.

While the cucumbers are growing keep the plants well watered and search for, and remove all weeds at regular intervals.

The time to harvest the cucumbers is roughly 50 - 60 days after planting, depending on the variety being grown. The cucumbers should be harvested before they turn yellow. If the cucumbers do turn yellow they will be bitter to the taste, so a timely harvest is vital.