Cucumbers

Cucumbers

August 29, 2024

Introduction

Growing cucumbers in the city? It's not as crazy as it sounds as long as you have some sort of outdoor space. I'm here to guide you through the cultivation, because nothing is better than fresh, home grown cucumbers. You'll need potting mix, compost and alot of water as cucumbers are thirsty, so be prepared to water them regularly. The future of urban agriculture starts now.

The What

Cucumbers are delightfully crisp vegetables that belong to the gourd family, known for their refreshing high water content. Perfect for adding crunch to salads or pickling, cucumbers can also be grown in small spaces. These fast-growing vines are ideal for urban gardening in NYC on balconies, rooftops, and terraces. They grow quickly, rewarding your gardening efforts with a bountiful harvest. With just a bit of care and attention, you'll have fresh cucumbers at your fingertips, adding a touch of homegrown goodness.

The Why

Fresh cucumbers have a superior taste and nutritional value compared to store-bought produce that often lose quality during long transportation. Homegrown cucumbers are more flavorful and hydrating. They grow quickly and can be intercropped with other plants like arugula, basil, and radishes, maximizing your garden's productivity. By growing your own cucumbers, you contribute to sustainable living, reduce food miles, and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing your own food supply.

Sunlight Requirements

Cucumbers require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Stick to dwarf varieties. Use bright light or hydroponically with grow lights for 12-14 hours.

Water Requirements

Keep the soil evenly moist. Indoors, air can dry soil quickly; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Cucumbers are a warm weather crop and enjoy 70-85°F, ideally 75-80°F. Plant outdoors in May-June in NYC zone 7b. Warm temperatures promote fast growth and high yield.

Container Size

Indoors: 12-14" wide, 12" deep, 5 gallons (grow dwarf varieties only); Outdoors: 12-14" wide, 12-14" deep, 5-7 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Cucumbers love well-draining, rich mix with compost from kitchen scraps or well-rotted manure.

How to Add Fertilizer

Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 2-3 weeks. Organic options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Consistent feeding supports prolific fruiting.

Growth Duration

Cucumbers are ready for harvest 50-70 days after planting, or when the fruits are 6-8 inches long and firm. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.

How To Trim

Remove lower leaves and suckers to improve airflow and fruit development. Regular pruning supports healthy growth and yields crisp cucumbers.

Growing Challenges

Wilting: Water regularly, avoid waterlogging. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or neem oil. Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

Interesting Facts

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Blog
Cucumbers

Cucumbers

Growing cucumbers in the city? It's not as crazy as it sounds as long as you have some sort of outdoor space. I'm here to guide you through the cultivation, because nothing is better than fresh, home grown cucumbers. You'll need potting mix, compost and alot of water as cucumbers are thirsty, so be prepared to water them regularly. The future of urban agriculture starts now.

Cucumbers

Here are the essential Cucumbers basics you need.

Sunlight Requirements

Cucumbers require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Stick to dwarf varieties. Use bright light or hydroponically with grow lights for 12-14 hours.

Water Requirements

Keep the soil evenly moist. Indoors, air can dry soil quickly; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature Tolerance

Cucumbers are a warm weather crop and enjoy 70-85°F, ideally 75-80°F. Plant outdoors in May-June in NYC zone 7b. Warm temperatures promote fast growth and high yield.

Container Size

Indoors: 12-14" wide, 12" deep, 5 gallons (grow dwarf varieties only); Outdoors: 12-14" wide, 12-14" deep, 5-7 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Cucumbers love well-draining, rich mix with compost from kitchen scraps or well-rotted manure.

Fertilizing

Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 2-3 weeks. Organic options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Consistent feeding supports prolific fruiting.

Growth Duration

Cucumbers are ready for harvest 50-70 days after planting, or when the fruits are 6-8 inches long and firm. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.

How To Trim

Remove lower leaves and suckers to improve airflow and fruit development. Regular pruning supports healthy growth and yields crisp cucumbers.

Growing Challenges

Wilting: Water regularly, avoid waterlogging. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or neem oil. Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

The Many Varieties of Cucumbers

There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.

You can get a variety pack with 8 types of basil here.

Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!

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