How to Grow Perfectly Mouth Watering Cucumbers
Have you ever grown a cucumber only to have it taste bitter?
Happy Beginner Gardening Wednesday! This is our weekly series where we share gardening tips for any level of gardener from the beginner to the seasoned veteran. Today, we are looking at growing perfectly mouth watering organic cucumbers.
Cucumbers can be a little tricky. According Organic Gardening, cucumbers can get “stressed” out. That stress is what causes them to turn bitter. That stress is what we want to avoid when growing cucumbers. With the following tips, you will find out just how to do it.
- Temperatures
Due to this plant being frost-intolerant the temperature of the soil should be around 70 degrees when you plant or 2 weeks after the last frost date. In addition, you don’t want the temperatures to be too hot either. For example temperatures that are too hot are in the 90 degree range. For best results, keep them cool. - Planting and Soil
According to Bonnie Plants, the soil needs to be fertile and a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. The pH measures the acidity in the soil and certain plants like certain amounts of acidity. Most garden centers will sell you a test kit.Planting your cucumber plants in a raised bed is a great way to provide and monitor everything they need. For tips on building a raised garden bed check out an article we published called How to Build a Raised Garden Bed.
Plant the seedlings anywhere from 36 inches to 60 inches apart depending on which variety you bring home. The tag will tell you exactly how much spacing is needed. Space plants one foot apart if you will be training the cucumber vines to grow on a trellis.
- Mulch
Mulch really can be a gardener’s best friend. It will help to keep your cucumbers clean, hydrated and will prevent weeds. You can use organic mulch, plastic mulch or straw. - Water
Cucumbers require constant slightly moist soil which looks like about an inch to two inches of water per week. For best results when planting, install Rootsticks. This scientifically engineered direct to root watering system will allow you more control over how much water your cucumbers receive.
Summary
Gardening isn’t for just a certain few but for everyone. No matter what level of gardening you are at, these tips and this series will help you achieve great gardening success.
Will cucumbers be growing in your garden this summer?
