Cucumbers for Container Growing

• Although full-size cucumbers are sometimes grown in a patio container, most gardeners are more successful growing dwarf cucumbers with vines that extend between 18 and 36 inches, depending on the variety. The compact growth of dwarf cucumbers is limited to the container without sprawling into the surrounding area. Dwarf cucumbers include Spacemaster, Patio Pik, Bush Baby, Arkansas Little Leaf and Bush Pickle Hybrid.
  
  

Containers

• The minimum size for container growing is a 1-gallon container, which is suitable for growing one dwarf cucumber plant. A 2-gallon container is large enough to grow two dwarf plants. As a general rule, figure a gallon of container space for each plant. Any large container with at least one drainage hole in the bottom is appropriate for growing cucumbers. For example, use a large bucket, a bushel basket or a large plastic tub. Large pressed paper planting containers are relatively inexpensive at garden centers.
  
  

Preparing the Container

• A lightweight soilless planting mixture is appropriate for planting cucumbers in containers, as the planting mixture drains well, but holds enough moisture and nutrients to support the plants. Soilless planting mixtures are usually composed of a mixture of organic materials such as peat moss, compost, vermiculite or perlite. Water the mixture the day before planting, then allow the container to drain overnight, as cucumber seeds are best planted in potting mixture that is moist but not soggy. Mix a general-purpose, time-release fertilizer thoroughly into the planting mixture at planting time. Refer to the package label for specific rates depending on container size.
  
  

Planting Cucumber Seeds

• Plant about four or five cucumber seeds in a 1-gallon container or five to eight cucumber seeds in a 2- or 3-gallon container. Extra seeds are planted in case some of the seeds don't germinate. The seedlings are thinned later. Space the seeds evenly in the container, then cover the seeds with 1/2 to 1 inch of soil. Refer to the seed packet for specific recommendations, as planting depth and spacing distance varies slightly depending on the type of seed.
  
  

Care

• Place the container where the cucumbers are exposed to bright sunlight all day. Water the planting mixture immediately after planting, then continue to keep the soil evenly moist. Check the cucumbers daily, as the soil dries quickly in containers, especially during hot, dry weather. Don't water so much that the soil is drenched, but don't allow the soil to become completely dry. Thin the cucumbers when the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall. Remove the weakest seedlings and leave a number of seedlings appropriate for the container size. Although most dwarf cucumbers don't develop long vines that need support, install a small trellis if the vines need support.