- 1). Plant cucumbers in the outdoor garden in mid-spring, when frost lifts and temperatures rise to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Cucumbers fail in air or soil temperatures under 60 degrees F, and die in even light frost. Put the plants out one week after the last frost in your area.
- 2). Set out the cucumber plot. Give cucumbers 10 square feet of space for multiple plantings, in sites with full sunshine, quick drainage and good air circulation. Cucumbers fail in crowded plantings and standing water, and can't bloom or bear fruit in shade.
- 3). Amend the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Dig into the natural soil, then add 3 to 5 inches of organic compost. This amendment gives cucumbers deep, rich and quick-draining soil for ideal growth. Mix 5-10-10 granular fertilizer into the top 4 inches of soil, per manufacturer directions, to give the new seedlings a boost.
- 4). Plant cucumbers at 2 to 3 feet in the row. Leave 5 feet of space between multiple rows for walking and gardening space. Plant two to three different cucumber cultivars for better pollination and variety.
- 5). Put a trellis behind each row of cucumbers, or stake each plant. Use soft ties to secure the main cucumber vines to the trellis as they grow. Tying the cucumbers encourages better sun and air exposure, and keeps the vines and fruit away from soil-borne diseases.
- 6). Water cucumbers with 2 inches of water every week to keep them moist. Use 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch in the cucumber plot to keep soil moist and warm. Replace the mulch as it breaks down to maintain this protection.
- 7). Feed cucumber plants with 10-5-5 granular fertilizer one week after blossoms appear, and again three weeks after. Follow manufacturer directions for fertilizer applications. This feeding encourages fruit production and ripening.
- 8). Harvest cucumbers early for more tender fruit, or allow them to grow to maturity. Cut the cucumber stems 1 inch above the fruit to avoid damage. Always harvest before the cucumbers turn yellow, as yellow cucumbers turn bitter.
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