Cucumber - how to grow your own

Scientific name (Latin): Cucumis sativus, Family: Cucumber plants (Cucurbitaceae), Since the 17th century, cucumbers have had a natural place on our plates, but the true origin of the cucumber is a little mystery. The French-Swiss botanist Alphonse Pyrame de Candolle in the 19th century was certain that the cucumber originated from India, but others have claimed it actually comes from Kuwait, Egypt, or Iraq. The truth about the cucumber's origins is uncertain, but one thing is for sure - cucumbers love warmth! Cucumbers come in many shapes and colors today, such as round, white, and yellow. In recent years, even more unusual varieties, such as the jungle cucumber, have become increasingly popular. And it's easy to see why, as it is playful to grow cucumbers - and there are many new flavors to discover.

This is how you sow and pre-cultivate cucumber seeds:Cucumber seeds are sown in regular soil or flower soil from the end of March until midsummer. They grow quickly, so there is no danger if you start a little later, three weeks before you want to plant them out is usually sufficient.,,The plants should be watered regularly, preferably from the bottom, so that the seeds and young plants do not dry out. They also need plenty of light, so let them stand in a sunny window or under a plant lamp. This will make them plump and nice. Soon the vines will need support to climb on, such as a flower stick or a thread attached to the curtain rod. The plants also need support after they are planted out.

Planting cucumber plants, When the frost has passed and the soil temperature is around 15 degrees, it's time to plant the cucumber plants outdoors (if the variety you have chosen can tolerate it) or in large pots or containers in a greenhouse or tunnels. The containers should have drainage holes at the bottom so that excess water can drain away. It's a good idea to add some drainage material, such as clay balls or gravel, at the bottom before filling it with soil.,,Water,Cucumbers love water and should be watered regularly, preferably daily to prevent bitterness. However, there is a vulnerable spot, and that is the stem. It easily rots if left in water. Therefore, it's important to make sure that the plants don't end up lower in the soil than they were before planting. On the contrary, the plants should be placed on a small mound so that excess water can drain away from the stem.,,Nutrients,Cucumbers in pots and containers usually require more nutrients than those planted outdoors. Fertilize after a couple of weeks, using chicken manure, animal manure, or vegetable fertilizer, and water with nutrient-rich water regularly throughout the summer. The leaves should be fresh green and not yellowing.,,Also Read:,Grow climate-smart - make your own fertilizer water

Before planting outdoors, it is best to slowly acclimate the plants to being outside. You can do this by allowing them to be outside during the day for a few days. Bring them indoors at night. Outdoor cucumbers can also be covered with a fleece blanket during the first days outside, to provide extra protection against cold nights.

Cucumbers grow quickly, but there is a trap one can fall into when it comes to cucumber cultivation and it's all about pollination.,,Some cucumbers only have female flowers. These are self-pollinating, so-called parthenocarpic, and do not need bees or insects to be pollinated. These varieties should not be placed near other cucumber varieties, as cross-pollination between them can result in bitter fruits.,,If the cucumbers you have chosen are not self-pollinating and there is a lack of pollinators, such as if you are growing in a window or in a closed greenhouse, you may need to help with pollination by using a small brush between the male and female flowers. Female flowers have a small swelling, the beginning of a fruit knob, that sits right under the flower, making it easily recognizable.

At present, there are many fun varieties of cucumbers to buy, both for greenhouses and those that can be grown outdoors. In addition, cucumbers come in all shapes and from all corners of the world. What about small jungle cucumbers from Mexico or round cucumbers of the 'Lemon' variety? For those who just want a reliable and good cucumber for the salad, the 'Marketmore' variety may be a good choice. Cucumber varieties are usually divided into grape cucumbers, greenhouse cucumbers, snake cucumbers, and outdoor cucumbers. The latter often work well as pickling cucumbers.

There is a simple rule when it comes to regular, long cucumbers: Harvest rather early than late, it's usually the time when the cucumber starts to become round at the end, but before it has swelled up too much. If the end has become so thick that the cucumber looks like a bottle gourd or a pear at the end, you have waited a little too long, then the seeds have started to form and the taste becomes a little less crisp and crunchy.