Growing Cucumber

cucumis sativis : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
        T T T          
        P P            

(Best months for growing Cucumber in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Cut fruit off with scissors or sharp knife.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Nasturtiums, Beans, Celery, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Cabbages, Sunflowers, Coriander, Fennel, Dill, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potato, Tomatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
04 Feb 23, dopey duck (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Tomatoes and cucumbers can be grown together successfully, and there are actually some benefits to planting them together. Both plants have similar growing needs when it comes to sunlight, soil conditions, and watering. And if space is at a premium, interplanting the two will allow you to get more out of your garden.19/07/2022. Always confused by planting guides comments would be interesting.I grow toms in a greenhouse start them feb march so they are up and flowering before the dead of winter and grow cucumbers also but as far away as possible it's 2.5 by 4 meters so it's not very far.S I asked mr google the question here is what he gave me. https://www.allaboutgardening.com/tomatoes-and-cucumbers/ P.S.any tips on soil sterilisation of greenhouse soil My father used to dig out the entire contents every year to replant but that was a bit extreme I have used boiling water, peroxide with some success any other tips (you can't buy basamid anymore)
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jan 23, Keabetswe Tawana (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
where can i get cucumber seeelings am in a hot place can they be suitable in my country climate is like for Limpopo and Polokwane
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Feb 23, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy some seeds and plant them. Make a pan 600mm diameter and plant 4-5 seeds. Give a good watering and water again in 3 days.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Dec 22, Harold J Roth (USA - Zone 10a climate)
What varieties of cucumbers do best in zone 10A
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Dec 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Grow what you prefer to eat.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Aug 22, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
hi everybody this app is so helpful, but my cucumbers always die ,i live right between buildings and i got a good amount of breeze going through but too much shade because of all the trees i wonder if there is a seed type i can plant here in the shade most
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jul 22, Dee (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I have seedlings I am ready to transplant into a raised container bed. My question is, how much sun should they get for Zone 9? I know the package sys full sun, but I don't think that applies when temperatures can get over 100 for several days at a time. I have a large shade tree and I was thinking of putting them under it, but concerned it then wont get enough sun.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Jan 23, Tammy Rode (USA - Zone 9b climate)
partial sun partial shade 3pm shade if possible
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Jun 22, Jesslyn (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I think I'm going to lose my cucumbers to mold. Is it too late to plant new?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Oct 22, Kim (USA - Zone 9b climate)
1 tbl. Baking soda to 1 gal. Water. Spray plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 30 of 493 comments
See comments for all plants

The rules of companion planting indicate that cucumbers and tomatoes/potatoes should not be planted in close proximity to one another. Let's consider what companion planting is all about first. 1. Companion planting is about creating a diversity in the garden that reduces the chances of PESTs/disease wiping out your garden. So in CP you don't plant things that are prone to the same diseases or attract the same pests close together. In the case of cukes and tomatoes it is: fusarium wilt and powdery mildew. (there could be more things...but this is enough that you have violated one of CP rules). 2. CP is about nutrition in the soil -- that is, you would not plant two things in close proximity that both require heavy amount of any particular mineral/vitamin. So for example if both plants are heavy feeders of potassium -- clearly they would compete too heavily for this resource most likely all plants would not get enough potassium. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and require lots of nitrogen and potassium. Pale, yellowish leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency. Leaf bronzing is a sign of potassium deficiency. Potatoes LOVE potassium, and low levels of potassium cause hollow heart (the middle of the potatoes looks like it is rotting), further the potato plant needs ALL it's potassium at the early stages (BEFORE setting tubers). Potatoes are also HEAVY feeders. Tomatoes are HEAVY feeders. So CP says not to plant heavy feeders next to each other... they compete to much for nutrition. Ok, so now you know why CP says not to plant these plants next to each other. The question then becomes.... but CAN I still do it knowing about the wilt and mildew and potassium and general heavy feeding of all the plants.... SURE, BUT be sure to add lots of nutrition to the soil (compost/manure) add lots of potassium (before planting mainly) and be sure to top up the nutrition during the growing phases... so maybe add manure/compost before planting, mid season and again when fruit starts setting. Also all these plants LOVE water... and lots of it, and this to me, makes it convenient when watering, to have my water lovers all in one spot... that way I can just dump a 5 gallon bucket of water int he middle of them. Also, careful how you trellis the cucumber, you don't want to create a roof over the tomatoes/potatoes that will hold moisture and encourage the mildews.

- Celeste Archer

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.