Cucumbers do best when planted in hills, four plants to a hill, with hills 4-6 feet apart. If direct seeding, plant 8 seeds per hill and thin to 4 plants 12 inches apart. Cucumbers can also be grown along fences or in containers with trellises.

Table of Contents

Why do you plant cucumbers in hills?

Planting cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus) in hills helps to provide the excellent drainage that the plants require for an optimal yield. This fast-growing, subtropical plant does well when the air temperature is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can harvest the fruit in as few as 48 days.

Should I grow cucumbers on a trellis?

They are ideal for growing in containers or small raised beds. Vining cucumbers produce more fruit, but they require a larger space than bush varieties. … Growing cucumbers vertically on a trellis helps improve air flow and limit the spread of foliar diseases, such as powdery mildew, that can cause the loss of leaves.

How big should a cucumber mound be?

Mound a pile of soil 6 inches tall. Space mounds 18 inches apart for climbing plants and 36 inches apart for bush plants. Plant about four to six seeds to a depth of 1 inch in the middle of the mound. Cover the seed, and then tamp the soil lightly.

Can you plant cucumbers in a row?

When sowing cucumber seeds, you can grow them in rows or in groups. When planting by seed directly into the ground: … If you plan to plant your cucumber seeds in rows, plant the seeds 10-12 inches apart. Space the rows 18-24 inches apart, or more if you plan to regularly walk between the rows.

When should you plant cucumbers?

Outdoor cucumbers should be planted out when the soil has warmed in late spring or early summer. Gradually acclimatize plants for a week or two beforehand. A cold frame is useful for this hardening off period. In warmer climates you can sow seeds straight into their final growing positions.

Do cucumbers like morning or afternoon sun?

Site. Cucumbers grow best in full sun but will grow with just 5 hours of sun a day. Cucumbers are very tender vegetables; they need temperatures of 70°F (21ºC) or warmer to grow well.

Can I plant tomatoes and cucumbers next to each other?

Compatibility for Companion Planting Cucumbers are considered compatible with tomatoes by garden experts, including Dr. Leonard Githinji of Virginia State University. Their growth habits are similar enough to be complementary, and so are their aversions (both tomatoes and cucumbers dislike growing near potatoes).

How far apart do you plant cucumbers in a raised bed?

Space cucumbers 36 to 60 inches apart (12 inches apart for trellised plants) in an area with abundant sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Cucumbers will grow quickly with little care.

How tall should cucumber trellis be?

Wire A-frame cucumber trellis Most are about four to five feet tall, which is ideal for cucumber plants and are very easy to set up. While the plants are small, you can plant a fast-growing crop like leaf lettuce or arugula in the space under the trellis.

Article first time published on

Can I plant two cucumbers together?

When planting, plant two transplants per cucumber mound. If seeding, plant 3 seeds and thin to the 2 strongest after a few weeks. By growing multiple vines per mound, they intertwine for added strength.

How many cucumber plants should be in a hill?

Cucumbers are normally planted in “hills.” Plant 4 to 5 seeds per hill at a depth of 1 inch. Later, remove all but 2 or 3 plants per hill when seedlings have 1 or 2 true leaves. For an earlier crop, cucumbers can be started indoors. Start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date.

Do cucumbers need deep soil?

Site selection. Although cucumbers do best in loose sandy loam soil, they can be grown in any well-drained soil. Cucumbers must be grown in full sunlight. Because their roots reach 36 to 48 inches deep, do not plant them where tree roots will rob them of water and nutrients.

Can cucumbers tolerate shade?

Vegetables that fruit from a blossom, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and squash are the least tolerant of shady areas. Plant these in full sun areas that receive the most direct sunlight per day. … Leafy vegetables, such as chard, spinach and salad greens, are the most tolerant vegetables that grow in shade.

Do cucumbers need a lot of water?

Cucumbers are vigorous growers and therefore need between 1 and 2 inches of water per week, depending on the weather and type of soil. The key is to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. Water deeply about once or twice a week — and more often if you’re gardening in sandy soil.

Do cucumbers like the cold?

Protecting Cucumbers from Cold Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are tender annuals that thrive in warm temperatures of between 65-75 degrees F. (18-23 C.). Even prolonged exposure to temperatures below 55 degrees F. … Avoid open, exposed sites or low spots in the garden where cold air will collect.

Should I mound my garden rows?

Rows are commonly used for large, bushy vegetable plants such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), but mounded hills work better for vining crops that need to run along the ground. Mounds also give you more control over the quality and compaction level of the soil.

Should I plant my garden in mounds?

Mound Gardening is literally gardening in mounds. It is ideal for root crops that need the room below-groud. The reason for doing this is to maximize space, and ensure the crops don’t drown in high-water regions. Plants sincerely love water; they thrive on it and will result in bearing you the best of fruits.

How do you landscape a mound?

  1. Sketch The Design To Scale On A Graph Paper Beforehand.
  2. Put Down Your Layout Plan.
  3. Remove The Turf Layer In The Marked Lawn.
  4. Fill The Area With Clean Dirt To Build Up The Berm.
  5. Fill The Remaining Few Inches With Clay Soil.
  6. Add Top Soil Over The Clay Layer.

Can you use tomato cages for cucumbers?

Tomato cage is one of the favorite ways for both gardening and potted plant support uses and keep a fragile harvest healthy yet flawless. Round tomato cages are great for supporting fructuous and vining plants, such as tomatoes, hot peppers, peas, cucumbers, squash & zucchini, strawberries and paspberry, etc.

How long does it take cucumbers to grow?

Cucumbers require a long growing season, and most are ready for harvest in 50 to 70 days from planting.

When should I put cucumbers outside?

You can also sow outdoor cucumber seed directly outdoors in late May or June – wait until the risk of frost has passed. Cover the ground with a cloche or fleece after planting to warm the soil.

How many cucumbers grow in a 4x4 raised bed?

Square Foot Gardening Cucumbers If you use the square foot gardening method in a 4×4 foot raised garden bed you can comfortably grow eight tomato plants and 16 cucumber plants at the same time!

How Big Should I let my cucumbers get?

Harvest cucumbers when they attain at least six to eight inches in length. Keep a watchful eye out for dark green skins and firm fruits. It is best to harvest these beauties on the earlier side to reap the rewards of their sweet flesh and tender seeds. They will grow bigger and can still be eaten when harvested later.

What should not be planted near cucumbers?

How far apart should tomatoes and cucumbers be planted?

According to garden experts, cucumbers and tomatoes share similar growing habits and grow well when planted in proximity. Since both are vining plants, space them at least 18 inches apart and install stakes to train them vertically as they grow.

Will cucumbers climb a fence?

Cucumbers do best if they can climb instead of spread over the ground. The tendrils of the vines will grab fences, string, wire trellis, or tall cages so that the vines climb the structures.

What can I grow under cucumber trellis?