Growing cucumbers takes a LOT of space.
Why? Because they are spread out all over the vegetable garden!
Sometimes up to 1 square meter is occupied by a single foot.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to grow more cucumbers while using less space.
The trick is to grow the cucumbers vertically with a stake.
By growing them vertically, the cucumber stems will spread out on the stake instead of growing all over the garden.
It is the ideal solution to save space in the vegetable garden. Better yet, it allows you to grow it on a patio or in a house yard!
Here’s how to do it:
1. Which container to choose?
To grow cucumbers vertically in a pot, choose a pot about 12 inches deep and wide. How many cucumber plants can you grow in a pot this size? It really depends on the variety you are planting.
Varieties of climbing cucumbers root deeply and climb quite high. As for the so-called “dwarf” varieties, they keep the size of a bush. In any case, be aware that cucumbers are quite invasive and spread quickly, even the so-called “dwarf” varieties.
2. Which tutor size to choose?
Whether you are growing the cucumber in pots or in the ground, set up the stake soon enough after planting. Why? Because the cucumber starts very quickly and will need to hang on quickly. The best is to use a wooden stake with netting.
To do this, set up a sturdy stake of about 1.80 m. It should not collapse under the weight of plants and fruits. With wooden chopsticks or wire, draw horizontal lines so that the cucumber stems easily hang on and gradually rise.
3. How to plant the seeds?
You can sow cucumber seeds directly in the right place in the ground or in small pots. In both cases, remember to cover the seeds with about 2 cm of soil. Once the seeds start to germinate and have a few leaves, transfer the more perennial seeds to a larger pot or to the soil if the soil temperature is around 20 ° C.
It is important to protect the seeds from frost or cold nights, depending on where you live. This is because cucumber needs direct sunlight and a lot of light and heat. You can also mulch the stalk to keep it cool. Space the feet well and do not hesitate to enrich the soil with manure or compost.
4. Which place to choose?
The cucumber does not like windy places but loves full sun and heat. It does not tolerate when the temperature drops below 10 ° C. The optimal temperature for growing cucumbers is between 15 and 35 ° C knowing that it fully blooms around 30 ° C. Now that you know its requirements, choose the ideal place for it in your vegetable garden or on your patio.
5. Which floor to choose?
Cucumber prefers well-drained, soft soil rich in organic matter. But not only. The more profound and more pH neutral your soil, the better for cucumber. Know that you can test the pH of your soil with white vinegar.
6. How to water it?
Regular and deep watering is essential, especially during growth and fruiting periods. Just like the tomato, the cucumber is a fruit full of water, so it must be provided enough throughout its growth. To avoid the appearance of fungi that develop on the foliage, avoid watering the leaves of the cucumber.
7. Which fertilizer to choose?
When planting, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Once the plant begins to flower, you can put a fertilizer made from aged manure.
Result
There you go, you now know how to grow cucumbers vertically 🙂
By following these simple instructions, you will be able to grow cucumbers with less space and, above all, have more at harvest!
This method of cultivation also has the advantage of preventing the vegetables from being soiled by soil.
Your turn…
Did you grow cucumbers vertically in your garden? Let us know in the comments if it worked for you. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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