Cucumbers

Did you know you should harvest cucumbers while still immature? This helps promote additional flower growth as seed maturation in the fruit halts further vine and flower production.

Did you know there are dozens of cucumber varieties? From slicing varieties to pickling varieties to novelty varieties (many are smaller and perfect for container gardens), there is a variety for almost every home gardener. Cucumbers are also prolific – often one plant can take over an area of the garden making them perfect for trellis growing (away from other plants).

Did you know that cucumbers are very sensitive to frost and cold weather? Their short growing season (55 to 60 days) makes them viable in almost any growing area.

Did you know that cucumbers need help in pollination? If you are rooftop or balcony gardening, you may need to use a small brush to take pollen from male flowers (those without an immature fruit on the stem) and use that brush to “paint” female flowers.

Did you know that cucumbers are not necessarily easy to digest? For that reason, several “burpless” varieties have been developed that are easier on the human digestive system.