Cucumbers need a lot of vertical space to grow in pots.If you choose a bush variety instead of a climbing variety or provide room for the cucumber to spread, it can be done.Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season to help your cucumber plant grow.
Step 1: Cucumber can be found in a bush variety for containers.
In general, bush varieties are easier to grow in pots than vines.A container variety will give you a better chance of success.The Salad Bush hybrid, Bush Champion, Spacemaster, hybrid Bush Crop, Baby Bush, and Bush Pickle are some of the varieties that are suited for container growing.
Step 2: Pick a pot that is 25 cm wide for your cucumbers.
You should have a pot that is at least this wide and deep.If you want to grow more than one plant in a single pot, try a container that is at least 20 inches (51 cm) in diameter and holds 5 gallons (19 L).If you can, use a larger container outdoors.It will retain water more effectively.If you want to grow cucumbers, you can use a rectangular planter box.
Step 3: If you don't have holes in your container, add them.
Cucumbers love water, but it can cause root damage.If possible, look for a pot with drainage holes.If there are holes in the bottom, flip it over.If you don't have drainage holes in your pot, use a drill to make holes.You can choose a tile and glass drill bit for glazed surfaces.Pick a 4 to 2 in bit.If you want to drill holes, place painter's tape over the bottom of the pot.The bit is steady because of Painter's tape.To turn the drill on, press the bit lightly into the tape.When the drill goes through the pot, slowly and steadily apply light pressure to the taped area.For at least one other hole, repeat.You can break the pot if you press too hard or drill too fast.
Step 4: To clean your pot, use hot water and soap.
bacteria can cause your plant to rot in potsIf you've used the pot for another plant, it may have hidden insect eggs that will hatch and attack your cucumbers.Use a rag or a dish brush to scrub it down.You have to rinse it out several times to get all the soap out.
Step 5: Prepare a stake.
The vines need a stake to grow.Bush cucumbers do benefit from it.3 long stakes or bamboo poles are all you need to make one yourself.Tie them together with a cord or yarn at the top.The teepee shape can be created by spreading the bottoms of the stakes.At most hardware and garden supply stores, a teepee-style metal staking system is available.Cucumbers are encouraged to climb along it from the beginning.The stakes should be spread out on the inside of the pot.The pot's bottom should be touched by the legs of the stake.The stake should stand on its own.The legs should be even if it's wobbly.
Step 6: The pot should be filled with a well-draining soil mix.
If you want to mix your own soil, try mixing sand, compost, and coco coir.You can choose a pre-mixed soil for growing vegetables.Carefully pack the mix into the pot.Cucumber plants need loose soil to grow in, so do not make it too small.The space between the soil and the rim of the pot should be left empty.Take a look at the stake.It's possible to wiggle it around in the pot.Pack more potting mix in the pot if it moves a lot.Potting soil mixes and ingredients can be found at your local garden store.Garden soil may be contaminated by pests.
Step 7: Adding a goodfertilizer to the soil will boost nutrition.
You can use either a slow release formula or a 5-10-5fertilizer.It's a good idea to mix it into the soil in the proportions suggested on the directions.If you want to use a potting soil that already hasfertilizer mixed in, you can.The numbers on the bag offertilizer show how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is in it.The elements nourish different parts of the plant.Cucumbers are given a mild dose of a 5-10-5Fertilizer to focus on improved vegetable yield.It is safer to give your cucumbers a slightly higher concentration if you use a 14-14-14fertilizer.If you want an eco-friendly alternative, choose an organicfertilizer.
Step 8: When the weather warms up to 70 F, sow your seeds.
Cucumbers need the soil to be at least 70 F.It is possible to start a crop in July and have a harvest in September.You may be able to start earlier if you live in a warmer area.Wait at least two weeks after the last frost.If you're planting inside, you can start the seeds whenever you want.
Step 9: Go into the center of the soil with a 2 hole.
The hole should be equal in width and depth.The rounded end of a pencil is what you can use to create it.If you have a larger planter, place the holes evenly around the edge of a circular planter or evenly across a rectangular planter.
Step 10: There are seeds in the hole.
If you want to guarantee success, plant more seeds than you need.You're more likely to end up with as many plants as you want if you plant this many seeds.Cucumbers don't like being taken out of a container.Choosing organic containers, such as coco coir or peat, allows you to plant them in the soil, container and all, without handling the seedlings too much.The roots will grow through the container.
Step 11: Put more of your soil mix in the hole.
Drop the soil on the seeds.The seeds may be damaged if the soil is squeezed into the hole.When you're done, you can pat it down.If you're using a seedling, fill in the hole around the container and pat it down.
Step 12: An old water bottle is a plastic collar.
You can protect your plants if it's still cool outside.The bottles have tops and bottoms.Use hot soap and water to wash them.Place one around the plant.It doesn't blow away if it's put into the ground.Wind protection and warmth can be provided by these collars.They may be able to protect against pests.
Step 13: After planting the seeds, water them.
After you water the seeds or seedlings, the soil should be moist.Since puddles of water may scatter seeds, do not supersaturate the soil.You don't want to stir up the seeds with a fine sprayer.
Step 14: After watering, spread the moss or straw over the soil.
Spread a thin layer of moss or mulch over the seeds.The mulch helps keep the soil from drying out so the seeds can grow.
Step 15: At least 8 hours of sunlight will allow you to place your pot in a bright spot.
Cucumbers thrive in warm weather and the extra sunlight will keep the soil nice and warm.It's even better if you have more than 6 hours of sunlight.Cucumbers can get a lot of light if they are in a sunny room.You can buy a grow light if you don't have a sunny corner.You should keep it above the plant for at least 6 hours a day.It is possible to minimize wind damage by placing your pot near a fence.Strong wind can be damaging.
Step 16: Once the seedlings grow two sets of true leaves, remove your cucumbers.
To keep, identify the 2 tallest seedlings from each grouping.Take the other plants down to the soil.If you yank the other seedlings out, you will disturb the soil and cause damage to the seedlings you're leaving in the ground.Use garden shears or scissors to remove the extra seeds from the soil.
Step 17: Once the plants reach 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm), be thin to 1 plant per hole.
Look for the tallest plant in each group.It should have the healthiest leaves.Place the other one in the soil.You should have a single plant growing in each grouping.If you used a small container, that may mean you have just a single plant.
Step 18: Don't forget to water your cucumbers.
If the surface of the soil seems dry, it's time to water it.If you give mature plants enough water, they will be able to drain out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.Don't allow the soil to dry out since it will lead to a bitter crop.You can check the soil by sticking a finger in it.It's time to water if it is dry.The pot should be lifted to see how heavy it is.The heavier the pot, the more water is in the soil.To find out how heavy the pot is, check it throughout the day.Adding mulch will help retain water.If your area is hot and dry, you may need to water more than once a day.
Step 19: A balanced fertilizer can be added once a week.
Before adding thefertilizer, Drench the soil.When the plants are dry, adding thefertilizer may create problems.The label directs you to apply as much as you can.Always read the label when buyingfertilizers, they vary by brand and type.Pick either a 5-10-5 or 14-14-14.
Step 20: There are organic pesticides that can be used to eliminate garden pests.
Cucumber plants will be targeted by a number of arthropods.To make a spray with your own pesticide, mix 1 to 1.5 cups of water with a few drops of dishwashing soap.If you have pests like cucumber beetles, you can simply pick them off by hand.Drop them in a bucket of water.A bug vacuum can be used to remove insects from plants.
Step 21: You can use an anti-mildew spray.
Mildew and the like are very common.There are many anti-fungal products on the market, but they are not effective at ridding your plants of diseases.The plants will likely die if you have plants that can be carried by cucumber beetles.There is a white substance on the leaves.The leaves turn dull in the day and then recover at night.The leaves will turn yellow eventually.Baking soda and water can be used to make an anti-mildew spray.Shake it up with a dash of dishwashing liquid.If you see a white, powdery mildew on the leaves, spray it once a week.
Step 22: Cucumbers can be Harvested about 55 days after planting.
Cucumbers are more bitter when they are young.The cucumber's stem should be cut about 1/2 inch above it.The cucumber is too mature to eat if it has reached the yellow stage.The cucumbers are ready to be eaten.