Growing Show-Stopping Cucumbers: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve never tasted a homegrown cucumber, make this the year you do. The flavor and texture of a freshly picked cucumber are unparalleled, and it’s a game-changer for any pickling enthusiast. Sow your seeds this month, and you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest from July into autumn.
The Benefits of Homegrown Cucumbers
Ridge cucumbers, also known as outdoor cucumbers, are a great variety for beginners. They’re shorter and have rougher skin than their supermarket counterparts, but don’t let that deter you. The skin is packed with vitamins A, K, C, and B, as well as potassium and fiber. Simply rub the skin to remove any prickles, and you’re ready to enjoy.
The rough skin of a homegrown cucumber is packed with nutrients.
Choosing the Right Variety
If you have indoor space, such as a polytunnel or unheated greenhouse, you have a greater choice of varieties. However, if you’re growing outdoors, ridge cucumbers are a great option. They’re more tolerant of light shade and can thrive in a spot with plenty of sun and shelter.
Sowing and Caring for Your Cucumbers
Sow your seeds from mid-April onwards, making sure the soil has warmed up to around 20°C. Cucumbers don’t like being transplanted, so sow them directly into their final position. Water them little and often, as overwatering can be detrimental to young plants.
Young cucumber seedlings need careful attention to thrive.
Once your plants have three or four leaves, start feeding them with a balanced fertilizer. I like to use nettle and comfrey tea, and after eight weeks, a handful of organic chicken manure pellets.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Cucumbers
Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they’re around 10-15cm long. Simply snip them off the plant, leaving a small piece of stem attached. For a delicious pickled gherkin, try the ‘Parisian Pickling’ variety. If you prefer a more unusual-looking cucumber, ‘Crystal Lemon’ or ‘Crystal Apple’ are great options.
A delicious pickled cucumber, perfect for snacking.
Remember, growing cucumbers is all about providing the right conditions and a little TLC. With these tips, you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest in no time.
