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I’ve Been Doing THIS for 30 Years — And Every Year I Harvest a Ton of Cucumbers!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last three decades of gardening, it’s this: cucumbers are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow — if you know the trick. For 30 years, I’ve followed the same simple method, and every summer, I end up with baskets overflowing with crisp, juicy cucumbers.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or someone who’s never had much luck with cucumbers, here’s the exact approach I’ve used year after year to turn a handful of seeds into a cucumber bonanza.
The Secret? It’s All in the Preparation (and a Little Consistency)
🌱 Step 1: Choose the Right Variety
First things first — not all cucumbers are created equal. I always go with a mix of varieties:
- Bush cucumbers for containers or smaller spaces
- Vining cucumbers (like Marketmore or Lemon cucumber) for garden beds or trellises
This way, I get a steady supply all season long, and I never have to worry about running out.
🪴 Step 2: Plant in Rich, Well-Drained Soil
Cucumbers love fertile soil. I prepare the beds in early spring with:
- Compost or aged manure
- A few handfuls of crushed eggshells (for calcium)
- Organic fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus
Then I mound the soil slightly to ensure excellent drainage — cucumbers hate wet feet.
☀️ Step 3: Give Them Sun, Support, and Space
Cucumbers are sun lovers — at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. I also use:
- Trellises for vining types — this keeps fruit off the ground, improves airflow, and reduces disease
- Spacing of about 12 inches between plants to allow good air circulation
💧 Step 4: Deep, Consistent Watering
This is the real secret sauce. I water deeply twice a week, early in the morning. Consistency is key — irregular watering leads to bitter cucumbers.
To retain moisture, I mulch heavily with straw or shredded leaves. This keeps the soil cool and also keeps weeds down.
🐝 Step 5: Encourage Pollination
Every year, I plant companion flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and borage nearby. Not only do they deter pests, but they attract bees, which are vital for cucumber pollination.
If I ever notice poor fruit set, I’ll even hand-pollinate using a soft paintbrush.