{"id":431,"date":"2023-02-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-04T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=431"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:34:43","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:34:43","slug":"how-to-grow-cucumbers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Cucumbers &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Cucumbers.png\" alt=\"cucumbers plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nCucumbers, which are known botanically as Cucumis Sativus, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing cucumbers as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Cucumbers\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Cucumbers\">Best Time to Plant Cucumbers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#How_to_Plant_Cucumbers_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Cucumbers the Right Way\">How to Plant Cucumbers the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Cucumbers\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Cucumbers\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Cucumbers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#How_Much_to_Water_Cucumbers\" title=\"How Much to Water Cucumbers\">How Much to Water Cucumbers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Cucumbers_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Cucumbers to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Cucumbers to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#When_to_Harvest_Cucumbers\" title=\"When to Harvest Cucumbers\">When to Harvest Cucumbers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#What_Can_Cucumbers_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Cucumbers Be Used For?\">What Can Cucumbers Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#Can_Cucumbers_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Cucumbers Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Cucumbers Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-cucumbers\/#Are_Cucumbers_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Cucumbers Safe for Bees?\">Are Cucumbers Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Cucumbers\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Cucumbers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the cucumber seeds after the last danger of frost in spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when cucumbers are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Cucumbers_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Cucumbers the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing cucumbers in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your cucumbers grow. Generally, your soil should be average, well-drained. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 6.5.<\/p>\n<p>20&#8243; apart in short rows. 3&#8243; apart in hills 36&#8243; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your cucumber seedlings 2-3 per group.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Cucumbers\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Cucumbers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your cucumbers. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your cucumbers should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Cucumbers\"><\/span>How Much to Water Cucumbers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your cucumbers do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your cucumbers begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Cucumbers_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Cucumbers to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your cucumbers grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 7-14 days to germinate, and a total of 55 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Cucumbers\"><\/span>When to Harvest Cucumbers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your cucumbers is when it is bright medium to dark green and firm.<\/p>\n<p>Cucumbers can grow up to about 3-5&#8243; long for best taste.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Cucumbers_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Cucumbers Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for pickling and in salads<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> \u00a0mild, lightly sweet\u00a0flavor.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Cucumbers_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Cucumbers Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can plant up to 1 plant per 12&#8243; container. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your cucumbers around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Cucumbers_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Cucumbers Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, cucumbers are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing cucumbers is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cucumbers, which are known botanically as Cucumis Sativus, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing cucumbers as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Cucumbers This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the cucumber seeds after the last danger of frost in spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when cucumbers are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[23,22],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/431"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=431"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":756,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/431\/revisions\/756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}