did you know?

Cucumbers have been grown in India for more than 3,000 years. The Romans also loved them, Virgil wrote about them, and in 1494, Columbus brought their seeds to Haiti to plant.

general maintenance:

Mulch to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. Help young plants to climb trellis, if used.

pests/diseases:

Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash-vine borers, downy mildew, and anthracnose may occur.

controls:

Use row covers to protect young plants from insects. Immediately handpick cucumber beetles, which can spread bacterial wilt and cucumber mosaic virus. Trellis plants to increase air circulation and reduce risk of mildew.

how to sow/plant:

Sow indoors in spring, 2?3 weeks before last frost, 1/2?1 inch deep; or direct sow 7?10 days after last frost. Space 18 inches apart if trellised. If planted in mounds, space 3 feet apart in rows 3 feet apart. Allow several plants per mound. Use row covers to help protect plants against unexpected cool weather; remove when flowers appear to allow pollination. Sow again in summer for extended harvest.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil evenly moist. Side-dress after fruit set with compost tea or balanced fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

About a month before the first expected frost, pinch off new blossoms to promote the maturation of any remaining fruit before the end of the season.

features:

• Disease Resistant

garden uses:

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (use for pickling)