![]() ![]() The compact size is perfect to pack inside jars for homemade pickles! Pickling cucumbers are also usually more firm, and therefore better retain a crunchy texture in pickles and preserves. Popular pickling cucumber varieties include Homemade Pickles, Excelsior Cucumber, National Pickling, and Provision. Pickling cucumbers are short and stout (3 to 4 inches long) and usually have bumpy skin.Some hybrid slicers have thinner skin – like Manny, my favorite! Marketmore, Paraiso, and Gre en 18 are a few great slicer cucumber varieties. Slicers average about 6 to 10 inches in length, usually have medium-thick skin that’s slightly bumpy, and a moderate amount of seeds inside. ![]() Slicing cucumbers are what’s most commonly found in grocery stores, and are used for fresh eating (though they can also be pickled).It doesn’t rain here in the summer at all, so we run our raised bed drip irrigation system twice a week for an hour to give the plants a nice deep drink.Ĭucumbers generally fall into three categories: classic slicers, pickling cucumbers, or thin-skinned burpless varieties. *Water needs and frequency vary depending on your climate, soil, and rainfall. Avoid overwatering however, since soggy soil or standing water can lead to root rot. A couple inches of mulch around the base of plants will help with even moisture retention. Irregular water (fluctuating between very wet and dry) leads to stressed plants, dry fruit, and bitter-tasting cucumbers. Water: Regular deep water is one of THE keys to successfully grow cucumbers! Cucumber plants love consistently damp soil and a regular watering schedule*.Fluff up heavy clay soil with the addition of sand or potting soil. For the best results, amend soil with a few inches of well-aged compost and/or worm castings prior to planting. Soil: Cucumbers grow best in soil that’s rich in organic matter, but loose and well-draining.Yet since cucumber plants don’t love extreme heat, they will benefit from partial shade (especially afternoon shade) in hot climates where summer temperatures routinely exceed 90 ☏. Sun: Cucumber plants need full sun in most cases, or at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.Use shade cloth and mulch to protect cucumber plants from extreme heat. Cucumbers do not tolerate frost. Above 95, the plants will fail to produce fruit as the flowers fall off. Cucumbers grow more slowly (or fail to grow at all) when temperatures dip below 50 or rise over 95☏. They thrive when outdoor temperatures are between 75-85☏, and the soil is at least 65☏. Temperature: Cucumbers grow best when both the air and soil are nice and warm.We’re so grateful for your support!Ĭucumber Growing Conditions & Requirements This article is proudly sponsored by Gardener’s Supply Company, our favorite Certified B Corp for seed starting supplies, cucumber trellises, and other garden goods. This post also contains affiliate links that help support the work we do here at Homestead and Chill. This article explores different types of cucumbers to grow, ideal growing conditions, several awesome cucumber trellis ideas, important pollination requirements, potential pests or diseases, and ways to use and preserve your cucumber bounty. Read along to learn how to grow cucumbers, including how to train cucumber plants on a trellis to maximize space, yield and success! The crisp, juicy fruit are perfect for refreshing summer salads, sandwiches, beverages, homemade pickles, dips and more. Cucumbers are a quintessential summer garden crop.
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