Learn how to grow cucumbers in gage — from thickset kind to long - vine types — and produce a muscular harvest time .
Peter Krumhardt
Whether you grow cucumber vine in commode or a garden bed , they ’re among theeasiest vegetables to lift . The vigorous plants will provide crunchy , bracing cukes ranging from tiny jam to sinewy slicer almost daily during harvest time of year . However , keeping yourcucumber plantshealthy and fertile in containers is slightly different from in - ground plants . Here ’s how to produce cucumbers in pots with thoughtful cultivar selection , the in force containers , and must - cognise charge tip .
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Best Types of Cucumbers for Containers
Some variety of Cucumis sativus plants farm vines that are more than 10 feet long , which is n’t always ideal for container gardening .
Choose Compact Plants
Long vines are challenging to corral in thesmall blank of a container garden , even with a substantial treillage . or else , choose a variety that includes “ bush ” or “ heavyset ” in the name . ‘ Bush Slicer ’ has 3 - foot - long vines and 6- to 8 - inch - long slicing fruit . ‘ Picklebush ’ and ‘ Bush Champion ’ are two other first-class varieties for containers .
Growing Longer Vines
Container - friendly cucumber vine variety are most oftenslicing or pickling yield type . Long , underweight English and Asian cucumbers are usually not usable in compact cultivar , but even with limited place , there are tip on how to mature cucumbers in kitty with a few comfortable adjustments . You ’ll require an extra - large container — one that is at least 24 inches all-encompassing and deep is skillful — to provide ample ancestor space .
Use a trellis to support the farsighted vines ofEnglishand Asian plants , keeping the yield straight and off the primer coat . Their flimsy skin and few seeds make them perfect for fresh eating without discase or deseeding .
Pot and Soil Pointers
Cucumber plants get apace , producing several pounds of yield in a time of year . All that growth want plenty of high - quality soil . Container - grown cucumber plants thrive in pot that are at least 12 inches in diam and hold 2 gallons or more of territory . Anylarge container with ample drain holesin the bottom will work . Repurpose a found objective , adding drainage holes as necessary , or use a standard planting lot . pot soilis better for maturate cucumber works in containers . Avoid bagged surface soil or veritable garden dirt ; both soil type are too thick and do n’t drain adequately . All - intent potting territory is lightweight , well-off to witness , and simple to function with .
Steps for Planting Cucumbers in Pots
Plant cucumbersin pot once the atmospheric condition is static and night temperatures are systematically above 55 ° farad . To bulge with seeds , perform these actions :
If you want to startle with transplants from a garden center , just repot the seedling into the large container you ’d wish to apply . ensure to set the plant life at the same soil level as it was in its original pot . Then irrigate it well .
Spread a 2 - inch - deep stratum ofshredded barque mulch or pine strawover the surface of the potting soil to preserve moisture for the shallow - rooted cucumber flora .
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Consider a Trellis
Do n’t pause to add a trellis to a container at planting time . A sturdytrellis can increase yield seteven on bush or compact varieties . And traditional varietiesrequire a climbing structurewhen planted in a container to keep them doable . settle a premade 6- to 8 - base - tall treillage deep into the soil at planting time . Or you could make your own trellis using bamboo poles and garden twine . Anchor the trellis well by plunging it a foot or more into the planting pot . As the plants develop , help the vine scramble up by wrapping their tendrils around the structure as ask .
Care Tips for Cucumbers in Pots
Use a low - impact pesticide to protect good dirt ball like madam beetles and pollinator . Neem oil colour is a plant - based choice that cut off feed and eventually eliminates cucumber beetle .
Hahn , Jeffrey ; Wold - Burkness , Suzanne . “Cucumber beetle in base garden . ”University of Minnesota Extension.2020 .
Credit: Marty Baldwin
