What's the secret to growing crisp cucumbers?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.To cultivate crispy cucumbers successfully, one has to consider three foundations: soil quality, consistent moisture, and timely harvesting. In my experience, growing them in sandy loam soil with some compost amendments assists in holding nutrients while preventing waterlogging. Take a soil test first! You want a pH of 6.0-6.8. If the pH is too low or too high, your cucumbers will grow slow and be more susceptible to diseases.
Soil Preparation
- Mix 3 inches of compost into top 8 inches of soil
- Add 1 cup bone meal per 10 sq ft for phosphorus
- Test drainage: Dig 12-inch hole, water must drain in 4 hours
Water Management
- Drip irrigation runs 20 minutes at dawn
- Mulch with straw to reduce evaporation by 40%
- Leaf wilting after sunset signals dehydration
To minimize bitterness, be sure to pick cucumbers first thing in the morning (before 10 a.m.) when cucurbitacin levels are at their lowest. I always keep unwashed cucumbers in perforated bags at 45°F. Never place unwashed cucumbers in the fridge close to apples, as the ethylene gas they give off causes spoilage. If you wish to pickle your cucumbers, process the cucumbers within 6 hours of harvesting to retain the crunch!
Using trellises increases yield and decreases disease. My cattle panel trellis system supports 15 vines in 8 sq ft. I train my plants vertically at the 6-inch height and prune lateral shoots every week. This method doubled my harvest, compared to the ground planting method during the last season.
Read the full article: How to Grow Cucumbers: Expert Tips for Beginners
