Preparing for the Next Great Depression: Successfully Growing Cucumbers in Your Garden

Cucumbers are not only a popular garden vegetable but also a refreshing addition to salads and a healthy snack. It’s such a rewarding experience to walk out to the garden and snip a couple cucumbers off the vines to have with dinner. In this continuing series on Preparing for the Next Great Depression, we will discuss growing cucumbers in your garden, including planting from seeds, fertilization techniques, preferred soil conditions, and container gardening options. Additionally, I’ve shared my list of favorite heirloom cucumber varieties. Let’s go!!!

Growing Cucumbers in the Garden:

1. Planting:
– Start cucumber seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost or sow them directly into the garden once the soil has warmed up. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 12-24 inches apart in mounds that are 3-5 feet apart. I prefer mounds to rows as mounds help with drainage. Cucumber seeds typically germinate within 7-10 days.

🥒 GARDEN TIP: Provide a trellis or stake at planting time to support vine growth and prevent fruit from touching the ground. I’ve used tomato cages as well.

2. Sunlight:
– Choose a location in your garden that receives full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Cucumbers thrive in warm and sunny conditions.

3. Soil:
– Cucumbers prefer loose, well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
– Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil fertility and moisture retention.

🥒 GARDEN TIP: If you have access to Black Kow brand composted cow manure it’s really good stuff. I’ve used it for years. My local Lowe’s carries it.

4. Watering:
– Cucumbers require consistent moisture to prevent bitterness and ensure proper fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
– Mulching around cucumber plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

5. Fertilization:
– Before planting, add a balanced fertilizer, such as water-soluble 10-10-10, to the soil following the package instructions.
– Once the plants begin to flower, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus, such as 5-10-10, to promote fruiting. Apply the fertilizer according to the recommended rates.

6. Pollination:
– Cucumbers rely on pollinators such as bees for successful fruit development. To attract pollinators, consider planting flowers nearby..

7. Pest and Disease Control:
– Monitor your plants regularly for common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew.
– Practice good garden habits by removing any diseased or infested plant material promptly.

Harvesting:
– Cucumber varieties have varying maturity times, typically ranging from 50 to 70 days from planting to harvest. Check the seed packet or plant label for specific information.
– Regular harvesting is crucial to encourage continuous production. Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size, typically 6-8 inches in length(depending on variety). Overripe cucumbers can negatively affect future fruiting, so remove them promptly.

Container Gardening Tips:
– Select a large container with drainage holes to ensure proper water drainage. If holes are on the bottom keep the container off the ground to stop holes from plugging.
– Use high-quality, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter.
– Cucumbers grown in containers may require more frequent watering, as containers tend to dry out faster than garden soil. Monitor soil moisture regularly and water when needed.
– Provide a trellis or stake for vertical growth, securing them to the container for support. Again – tomato cages can work as well.

Rourke’s Recommended Heirloom Cucumber Varieties:

Boston Pickling Cucumber: If you enjoy homemade pickles, the Boston Pickling cucumber is an excellent choice. These small to medium-sized cucumbers have bumpy skin and a crisp texture, making them ideal for pickling or adding to salads.

National Pickling Cucumber: Another favorite for pickling enthusiasts, National Pickling cucumbers are blocky and uniform in shape. They have a crunchy texture and can also be enjoyed fresh in salads. MY FAVORITE!! 👍

Straight Eight Cucumber: True to its name, the Straight Eight cucumber produces straight, uniform fruits with dark green skin. They have a classic cucumber flavor and are versatile for various culinary uses, including slicing, salads, and pickling.

Marketmore 76 Cucumber: This popular variety is known for its disease resistance and abundant production. Marketmore 76 cucumbers are dark green, firm, and have a slightly sweet taste. They are perfect for slicing and salads.

Spacemaster 80 – Are you dealing with limited space or growing in containers? The Spacemaster is the perfect high-producing, heirloom for you. Excellent for pickling or slicing, plant the Spacemaster indoors or out. 

Summary

By following the tips and techniques outlined here, you can grow a ton of cucumbers and avoid the cost of going to the grocery store. Whether you choose to grow cucumbers in the garden or in containers – proper planting, watering, fertilization, and pest control are essential for maximum production. Experiment with different heirloom cucumber varieties now to discover what works best for you now before you have to rely on the garden in a more serious situation.

BTW – fresh cucumbers are best sliced and sprinkled with salt and pepper. YUM!! 😋

Happy gardening!

Rourke