🧗 cucumber

Grow in a deep, fertile, well‑drained loam or sandy loam rich in organic matter (compost or well‑rotted manure). Soil should be moisture‑retentive yet airy—avoid heavy, compacted, or waterlogged substrates; raised beds can help drainage. Maintain even moisture with mulching, and aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–7.0).

Sow cucumber (Cucumis sativus) after risk of frost when conditions are warm, or start under cover earlier. Indoors/under cover (recommended in cool climates): - Timing: sow in mid–late spring, about 3–4 weeks before planting out. - Temperature: keep compost and air warm; optimum germination is around 20–25°C. - Sowing: sow 1 seed per 7–9 cm pot (or modules) into seed compost, 1.5–2 cm deep. Keep evenly moist, not waterlogged. - Germination: usually 7–10 days in warmth. - Growing on: give strong light and steady warmth. Avoid checking growth. Pot on if roots fill the pot. - Hardening off: acclimatise for 7–10 days before planting out. Direct sowing outdoors: - Timing: only when soil is reliably warm and all frost danger has passed. - Site: full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil; incorporate well-rotted organic matter before sowing. - Sowing: sow 2–3 seeds per station, 1.5–2 cm deep; thin to the strongest seedling. Planting out / spacing: - Plant out when nights are warm and plants are sturdy. - Space plants about 45–60 cm apart (rows about 90–120 cm apart), or train up a trellis with similar in-row spacing to improve airflow. - Water well after planting and keep soil consistently moist; mulch helps conserve moisture. Protected cropping (greenhouse/polytunnel): - For greenhouse types, sow under cover and plant into final positions once temperatures are warm (often late spring), allowing 45–60 cm per plant; provide supports for climbing varieties.

Work in well‑rotted compost or aged manure before planting. If soil is not tested, use a balanced fertilizer at planting (e.g., 10‑10‑10) at label rates; avoid heavy nitrogen, which promotes leaves over fruit. When vines begin to run and again at early flowering/first fruit set, side‑dress with a low‑N, higher P/K fertilizer (e.g., 5‑10‑10) or additional compost, keeping fertilizer a few inches from stems and watering in. In containers, use a complete soluble fertilizer at low concentration every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing nitrogen if vines are lush but fruiting is poor.

Mulch cucumbers after the soil has warmed (typically after planting and once seedlings are established). Apply a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of clean organic mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, pesticide-free grass clippings (thin layers), or finished compost to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and keep fruit cleaner. Keep mulch a few centimeters away from stems to reduce crown/stem rot. In cooler climates, black plastic or biodegradable film can be used early to warm soil; add organic mulch later if needed. Avoid fresh manure as mulch and monitor for slugs and other pests that can shelter under heavy mulch.