Starting Seeds: You can start cucumber seeds indoors in peat pots and transfer them out into the garden a couple of weeks after the last frost when the soil is warm. Cucumbers like moist soil well mixed with compost and manure.
Plant seeds directly in the soil after all danger of frost has passed. They prefer loose soil (that is not too compacted), so it should be well turned and not trod on. It helps to mix in plenty of compost. Deep bed plantings do very well.
Planting in Garden: Plant that will trail on the ground need 4-6 feet around them. Plants that will be trained to climb poles can be closer together. Deep beds can tolerate closer plants. Keep beds well watered. Cover beds with hay to keep weeds back and soil moist. Then growing cucumbers also have a bed of hay to rest on. Climbing plants should be pinched off on top when they reach the top of the trellis.
Harvest: Pick and eat cucumbers before they grow too large. If you miss any big ones, compost them and don’t let them stay on the vine and use plant resources.
Pests: Hot, humid weather can lead to mildew that forms white, powdery patches on leaves. Watch for cucumber beetles.
