How to Grow Cucumbers

Plant cucumbers in a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. Select soil that provides a well-drained, nutrient-rich base. For in-ground planting beds, mix 3 inches of Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil into the top 6 inches of soil. If you're planting cucumbers in raised beds, fill them up with this same soil, which is also ideal for raised beds and enriched with aged compost.

To grow cucumbers in pots, choose the right size outdoor container for the type of cucumber you’re planting. For non-vining or bush varieties, use a pot at least 12 inches wide (about 5 gallons). For vining types, a pot that is at least 24 inches across is recommended. Fill your containers with Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix, a lightweight mix enriched with aged compost.

When planting cucumbers, wait until after the soil temperature has warmed—about 1 to 2 weeks after your region’s average last frost date. You can grow cucumbers by planting seeds directly in your garden beds or by planting young, starter plants like those available from Bonnie Plants. You can also grow cucumbers from seed started indoors using Miracle-Gro Organic™ Indoor Potting Mix. You'll want to start your cucumber seeds indoors about 2 to 3 weeks before the last expected frost date.

Typically, cucumber plants should be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart, but check the seed packet or plant tag for specific instructions. If you're training vines on a trellis instead of letting them run along the ground, they can be planted closer together—6 to 12 inches apart. Water the soil well after planting.

Like we mentioned, cucumbers aren't too fussy, but they still need a little attention and love. Regular watering and feedings help your plants grow healthier and stronger, and using a trellis and mulch can help prevent the few problems you might have with this plant.

Let cucumbers grow on a trellis. Growing cucumbers on trellises can actually increase your harvest by allowing more sunlight and air circulation around the vines, which also helps reduce disease. Individual cucumbers also grow straighter when they're raised on trellises. Set out your trellis when you plant so it's there to support your cucumber plant as it starts growing.

Watering Cucumbers. Cucumbers need a steady water supply to keep them from becoming misshapen or bitter tasting. Check the soil regularly; when the top inch is dry, you need to water. Drip irrigation works well with cucumbers because it keeps leaves dry, which can help reduce disease outbreaks.

Feed Cucumbers. In addition to the initial nutrients provided by the soil, growing cucumber vines need a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season in order to produce the best harvest. About a month after planting, mix Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food. into the soil around your cucumber plants, following label instructions. This will provide the extra nutrition your cucumbers will need to grow.

Add Mulch. Mulch around (but not on top of) plants with 3 inches of Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch, straw, shredded leaves, pine straw, or untreated grass clippings. Mulching reduces weeds by blocking their access to the sun, helps soil retain moisture, and keeps cucumbers clean.

Check plants daily once cucumbers start forming, as they taste best when young, firm, and dark green. Harvest cucumbers whenever they're big enough to use which will vary by variety. Slicing cucumbers are usually 6-9 inches, while pickling and mini, snacking cucumbers are 2-3 inches long. Cucumbers that have started to turn yellow are usually overripe and bitter. Use a knife or shears to harvest your cucumbers and leave a short stem stub on the fruit to help it last longer. Cucumber vines tend to produce more when harvested regularly, so don't be shy! Store cucumbers in the veggie drawer in the fridge; they should last about a week. Perforated plastic bags increase humidity and help fruit last longer.

Serve cucumbers raw by slicing, chopping, or grating them into salads or onto sandwiches. If you have an abundance of cucumbers, make pickles or relish.

Ready to start planting and growing your own cucumbers? You'll love this cool and crisp veggie when summer comes around, so get out there and start planting!