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

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27 Nov 13, Jack Zampella (USA - Zone 6b climate)
I grow an open pollinated variety of cucumbers (straight Eight) Two years ago I picked 83 cucumbers from two plants. This past season I only picked 18 cucumbers from two plants, 1. I had problems with cucumber beetles. Any suggestions on how to rid or control then? 2. Also, I believe that the were far less bees around to pollinate. No bees, no pollination. No pollination , no cucumbers. What is the best flower / herb that I can plant to attract pollinators to my cucumbers. Thanks
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17 May 12, Andy (USA - Zone 8b climate)
The only issue is when planting them too close together. They will compete heavily for nutrients and moisture. they are both very heavy feeders .. as a result quality/ flavor could suffer.
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14 Jun 11, Leslie Alderette (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Just wanted to find out why you should avoid planting cucumbers next to tomatoes.. I did just that before reading this. My plants are small so is it possible to move them? I just dont want to disturb their new area. Any feedback on this? Thanks so much. your website it terrific!
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19 Jun 11, Michael Ouellette (Australia - arid climate)
My cukes were planted about a foot ( 30 cm ) away from my tomatoe plants this year.and my crop from both was unreal. The tomato plants acted as a trellis for the cukes. I could not keep up with the supply....
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Hi David, i dont bother to trellis, i let them grow like pumpkins along the ground. yes this can leave a yellowing on the bottom, but they grow well and taste perfect, in fact im having trouble keeping up with them. I did this last year because i planted seeds in a large seed raising tray and let them go to far before transplanting and so i just upturned the tray and planted it undisturbed in the middle of a garden bed. We are growing on raised beds as our soil is stoney and clay and we are totally reliant on rainwater. We are in central Victoria and have hot harsh summers so i set up a shadecloth cover for the really hot days. 13mm spray irrigation and we have had no powdery mildew at all. Hope your cues are starting to grow. :)

- Sarah Day

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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.
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