Cucumber
How To Grow
Sowing:
Sow indoors using large yoghurt pot or bean tin with holes punched in the base for drainage
Sow 1 seed on its side, 2cm deep in moist compost that will drain well
Shade them from direct sunlight to protect from scorching
Place the containers inside a plastic bag to retain heat and moisture until germination occurs
Germination typically takes 7 - 14 days
Remove weaker seedling once germination has occurred
Transplanting
Harden plants for 7 days or so before transplanting – bring them outdoors each day for a few hours
Soil to transplant into needs to be well drained, fertile soil (e.g. compost) in warm weather, in a sunny position with shelter from wind if possible
Making a pile of compost and soil (30cm in diameter approx.) where you want to plant your cucumber, place plant in the top of the mound, ensuring plants are 45cm apart
Make sure soil is well watered (water soil, not plant) and never let soil dry out. Also ensure well drained (hence mound of soil – allows for good drainage)
Assist plant by tying it to a supporting stake/post with some string or anything similar (can be a simple stick, piece of bamboo, anything that will support its upright growth)
To encourage growth and deter pests, feed every 3 - 4 weeks with organic fertiliser (e.g. dried seaweed fertiliser, sachets available on sow.ie)
Growing Time:
Approx. 2 months
Harvest:
Harvest your cucumbers while they are young and tender.
Cut your cucumbers from the vine – don’t pull off
Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
Tip: Don’t leave ripe cucumbers on plant as they will discourage the plant from continuing to grow