How to grow cucumbers in your vegetable plot the eco-organic way

Cucumber is one of the most popular vegetables grown in the vegetable plot. Cucumber is native of India and has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years. They are widely used as pickles and salads. Cucumber contains 96% water, Vitamins A and C, and some traces of phosphorous, calcium and magnesium. The cooling and cleansing properties of cucumber makes it a perfect addition in beauty products. 

Optimal Growing Conditions

The cucumber needs good soil for its growth, preferably fertile clay soil. The soil for cucumber should be moist and warm with a pH ranging from 6.5 and 7. The soil should be rich in organic matter with sufficient nutrients like phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium. Organic compost enriches the soil to produce best cucumbers. Remember to add compost or manure to the soil one or two times per month after the arrival of early buds. 

Ensure that the soil in your garden in well-drained since excess water can cause cucumbers to spoil and rot. Optimal amount of water is regularly needed for steady harvesting of cucumbers. Cucumbers are usually grown on a soil that receives maximum sunlight. Your vegetable plot should have at least 5-7 hours of sunlight each day.  You can add mulch to your soil to retain enough moisture as they get easily dry. Mulch also helps in keeping pests away from your soil.

Cucumber thrives in warm climatic conditions and cannot be grown in cold climate. Don’t rush to start plantation early since the seed will not germinate if temperature of the soil is between 50 F and 68 F.  You can start growing your seedlings indoor and plant them outdoors when optimal weather reaches. 

Planting the Cucumber

Cucumbers are best grown when seeds are sown directly into the soil since transplantation of saplings can injure the delicate roots. However, due to weather restrictions some farmers initially grow them indoors.

Take a pot with holes in its bottom when sowing seeds of cucumber indoors. This would maintain ideal moisture level in the soil. Keep a distance of 45 cm between seedlings and try to sow three seeds at one place to increase the chances of germination. Place this pot in a sunny area and water it regularly. 

When growing directly in the soil, make sure that the soil is warm, well-drained and fertile. Cucumbers are best grown in raised beds. Thus, keep the soil bed raised to 6 inches high. Dig your soil at least one inch deep and sow 3 seeds together. Maintain a distance of at least one foot between each seed. If the conditions are favorable your seeds will germinate within 10 days.

Avoid planting cucumbers in the same soil each season. Cucumbers are hefty eaters and this would diminish the richness of soil, and enhance the probability of pests and pest diseases. You can plant various companion plants along with cucumber to protect them from pests. Some of the companion plants are radishes, sunflowers, carrots, beets, dill and marigolds. Do not plant sage and tomatoes with cucumbers. 

Control of pests

Be cautious for pests, mites, cucumber beetles, and pickle worms. These pests easily spread various diseases including cucumber wilt, powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt and root rots. They also feed on the foliage and destroy the plants by causing bacterial wilt. Only use organic pest control product to protect your cucumbers from diseases and pests. It is suggested harvesting your cucumbers as soon as they are ripe. 

It’s Time to Harvest

You will be able to harvest your cucumber after 55 to 70 days from planting. The cucumber should be picked when it is green and firm since yellow cucumbers are bitter in taste with harden seeds. When picked at the right time, cucumbers easily fall off the vine. 

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