In My Garden: Cucumbers

For me, cucumbers are always a must. I try to grow them almost year round which is possible in this moderate Southern California climate. Cucumbers require well-drained soil with lots of organic matter (compost) and good air circulation and full sun. 

I start my seeds in pint-size pots in loamy composted potting soil in my greenhouse, but the pots can also be started on a table outside during late Spring to early Autumn. If started in late Autumn place in the house or garage by a window. I spray the pots before the plant emerges with a copper spray and then every few weeks after the plant starts growing. When the cucumber plant is 6” to 10” long it’s time to put in the ground either in your greenhouse or a sunny area in your garden. In just a couple weeks the plants will really start growing and in a few more weeks flowers and cucumbers will start forming. A variety I have started growing and really like are the long Japanese-style cucumbers called Tasty Greens from a seed company called Botanical Interests.

There is nothing like picking a fresh, crunchy, and never-refridgerated cucumber from the garden for your summer salads. And if you can grow them in your garden, you will never buy another cucumber in your local grocery store, I can attest to that!