Cucumber

Cucumbers do not like cold - whether air or soil - so don't even think about sowing seeds until soil temps are at least 70F (20C) . Cucumber seeds are sown about an inch to 1 ½ inches (2 to 4 cm) deep. If sowing indoors for an extra early crop, sow multiple seeds per pot and thin to 1 or 2. Keep plants warm (70F / 20C) during the day and don't allow them to cool too much at night or when hardening off. A black plastic row cover will warm the soil and allowing earlier starts resulting in higher yields. Plants can be direct seeded or transplanted into holes in the plastic. Plants and seeds can be placed directly in soil once it has warmed thoroughly. Plant in rows 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 m) apart or in hills spaced 3 to 5 feet (.9 to 1.5 m). Thin hills to 2 or 3 plants, rows should space 8 to 15 inches (20 to 40 cm). Thin by cutting tops so as to protect the roots of neighboring plants. Replanting every 2 or 3 weeks will ensure a constant supply. About a month before the end of the season (first frost) remove flowers to redirect energy into finishing fruit already set on the plants. Trellising a vining cucumber has many advantages. It reduces disease susceptibility by increasing air circulation and produces better shaped fruit since they are not misshapen by pressure from the ground. Space plants 10 inches (25 cm) and pinch back as vines overtake the trellis to promote branching. Cucumbers should also be rotated in a three year cycle to further reduce disease problems. Cucumbers generally form male and female flowers. Pollination is necessary in order to have fruit set, but only a few males are needed to pollinate many females. Some seed suppliers have varieties with a higher percentage of female flowers, or female only flowers. They provide a few seeds of another variety that is male only to pollinate but note where you position these seeds so you don't accidentally "thin out" all your male plants. Cucumbers require a source of high nitrogen, either from fertilizer or organic compost with a high nitrogen content. Watch for leaf yellowing as a sign of nitrogen deficiency, bronzing will indicate potassium is needed.