How to Grow Cucumbers

Cucumber seeds can be planted directly into the soil, started inside, or seedlings can be bought at garden centers. They are a warm weather crop so if you decide to direct sow the soil temperature should be seventy degrees Fahrenheit.

Cucumbers like to climb and can be planted by a trellis. There are advantages to trellis grown cukes. They will be more uniform in size and less likely to rot since they are not lying on the ground. Also they are easier to see so they won't get overlooked when picking. If cucumbers aren't picked when young they will get too ripe and spoil. You will save on garden space with trellis growing, leaving you with more room to grow other vegetables.

Cucumbers mature quickly and don't need much care. Fertilize every two or three weeks and if the soil is very dry, water.

Your cucumbers are ready to be picked when they are large enough to use and dark green all over. If they are yellow at the tip, they are too ripe. They will grow quickly so be sure to check on them often.

Cucumbers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

I found that a good way to use cucumbers is to make soup. If you can't find a recipe for cucumber soup, use a recipe for zucchini soup and substitute cucumbers for zucchini. Since my green peppers are ready to be picked the same time as the cucumbers, I throw some green pepper in the cucumber soup also. The soup has a short shelf life, but it can be frozen.