Oh Snap! The Cucumber: The Most Refreshing Member of the Gourd Family

In these parts, now is a good time to sow cucumber seeds indoors. It is usually recommended that you do so approximately 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Cucumbers, like their relatives, are good candidates for container gardens, whether you opt for a vertical garden plan or select a bush-type. Where possible, try to select varieties that have disease resistance. Common cucumber diseases include mosaic virus, bacterial wilt and powdery mildew.

The cucumber is in the family Cucurbitaceae, AKA the gourd family. Other fruits belonging to this family are squash, pumpkins, and melon. Cucumbers are nutritious, as they are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, large quantities of water (~95%), as well as small amounts of magnesium, potassium, manganese, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamins C and K (with the peel included).

Cucumbers originated from India some 3,000+ years ago. There are three types: slicing, pickling and burpless (AKA seedless). All types have bush varieties and those bred specifically for patio planters. You can select one of these or select a regular vining variety, choose a larger container (at least 10 gallon) and use a trellis or similar structure. Click here for trellis options.

Maintenance and Care

Aside from selecting disease resistant varieties, there are several measures that you can take to protect your young cucumber plants. These include using a plant/crop cover, limiting planting of cucumber relatives, and companion planting with plants that may deter insect pests. Using covers is helpful, especially during mid-spring when the cucumber beetle is highly active, looking for cucurbit plants to feast on and lay its eggs. You should also not plant multiple members of the Cucurbitaceae family (e.g., cucumbers and melons), at least not in close vicinity in your garden. To cucumber beetles, this looks like a smorgasbord and you are likely to garner more of their attention with all the temptation.

Cucumber beetles spread bacterial wilt as they bite into these plants, which eventually spreads, resulting in browning, shriveling leaves and stems, irregular fruit, and then plant death. It is best to remove and discard cucumber beetles when you see them. Neem oil insecticide spray will kill the adults but plants may be at risk again later once any larvae left in the soil become adults. Bacterial wilt, like mosaic virus (caused by aphid infestation) cannot be cured. The fruits of plants with mosaic virus are safe to eat and in early stages may still have the desired texture and flavor. However, it is best to remove plants with mosaic virus to prevent spread to other crops. Click here to learn more about insect pests.

Try not to overcrowd your cucumber plants and avoid wetting the foliage when possible, to decrease susceptibility to powdery mildew. However, if powdery mildew is spotted, treat promptly with a natural animal and plant safe fungicide. Click here for examples and instruction for effective plant sprays.

Ensure that your cucumbers receive adequate water. They are especially thirsty as they flower and begin to bear fruit.

In addition to the recommended fertilizer schedule, cucumbers in containers can benefit from application of epsom salt for a growth boost at about mid-season if they appear to be less robust and decreasing in yield. You can do this by side-dressing or via a watering solution. When side-dressing, you work 2-3 tablespoons of epsom salt into the top layer of soil, about 2 inches away from the plant base and water thoroughly. To include it in a watering solution, wait until your plant requires watering, dissolve a tablespoon of epsom salt into a gallon of water, and then water at soil-line as usual.

Companion Planting Options:

Marigolds can help repel Japanese beetles and aphids, nasturtium and tansy deter Japanese and cucumber beetles, and dill planted with cucumbers deters aphids. When planted with cucumbers, corn and sunflowers can provide natural structural support and a bit of shade for your cucumbers. It may be best to plant cucumbers a couple of weeks after the corn or sunflowers, so that they will have established a sturdy enough stem/stalk for the cucumbers to cling to.

Cucumber Types and Uses:

Slicing Cucumbers

Slicing cucumbers are cucumbers selected for snacking straight from the vine, or slicing for snacking or inclusion in cold or tossed salads. Slices can be added to drinks of water to incorporate its boost of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Cucumber slices and puree can also be used for hydrating and anti-inflammation facial treatments. The skin of this type is typically thicker and the size may range from ~7-12 inches in length.

Pickling Cucumbers

Pickling cucumbers are cucumbers which are typically prepared in brine and/or canned with vinegar and spices for later consumption. They range from 3-6 inches in length. These cucumbers may be used for refrigerator pickles which can be eaten sooner, but must be chilled and have shorter “shelf-life” (up to two months), or they can be canned in the typical fashion for longer shelf-life (1-2 years) and no need for refrigeration until opened. It is recommended that the latter not be opened until at least 1 month after preparation for optimal flavor.

Are you interested in making your own pickles? Then be sure to pick a pickling variety. Below are links for canning supplies, directions and recipes for you to shop, print, or bookmark accordingly. It usually only takes cucumbers about two months to reach maturity, so make sure you have your supplies ready!

Recipes

Refrigerator Pickle Recipes:

https://www.aspicyperspective.com/best-homemade-refrigerator-pickles/

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-refrigerator-pickles-recipe/

Canning Pickle Recipes:

https://practicalselfreliance.com/dill-pickle-recipe-home-canning/

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/218121/pops-dill-pickles/

Fermented No-Canning Pickles

https://www.foodiewithfamily.com/homemade-claussen-knock-off-pickles/

Pickling Mixes

Are you not one for chopping various ingredients and following “from scratch” recipes? Then you might be interested in seasoning packets like these:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mrs.+wages+pickle+mix&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Canning Supplies

Canning Sets

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=canning+sets&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=canning%20sets

Mason Jars

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mason+jars&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=mason%20jars

Burpless Cucumbers

Burpless cucumbers are also often referred to as seedless cucumbers. While these cucumbers are not necessarily without seeds, they have smaller seed cavities, fewer seeds, thin skin, and less cucurbitacin (compound found in skin and stem). This decreases the likelihood of bitterness and burping common when consuming the other varieties. These are used and consumed just like typical slicing cucumbers, and grow to the same length.

Are you planting cucumbers this season? Be sure to leave us a couple of pictures of your beauties!