Container gardening can be fun and enjoyable as cucumbers are very easy plants to take care of. If you are having trouble growing cucumbers in the traditional manner, then container gardening is the best option for you. There are many different varieties of cucumbers available on the market today. With container gardening you will have access to the fruits of your labor much faster than you would with a normal garden.
Next step for growing cucumber in containers would be planting. You must first make a little hole in the pot to plant your seeds. You might do this with your fingers or a tiny pen. The 0.5-inch deep hole is just enough for this. Then put 2-3 small seeds in this hole.
When the seed starts to sprout then it will reach out to the surface of the soil. It will then grow to about four inches long. In a few weeks the sprout will be ready to harvest. Cut the cucumbers when the main cane is about three inches long to create sweet potato like fruits.
Cucumbers have a hardy temperament, which makes them a perfect choice for home gardens. These plants can be harvested easily if they show signs of ripe fruit. The best time to harvest your cucumbers is while they are about sixty days old. The cucumbers will turn yellow with age. However, if you harvest them before this time they will still be fairly green.
When growing vegetables in pots, you can place them on a sunny window and let the bright sun hit them for about seven hours each day. This will help them develop their crisp, fresh fruit. To ensure that the vegetables get all the sun they need, place them about six to eight inches away from the windowsill.
When the cucumbers start to mature then they will be ready to pick from the garden. If you spread crabgrass or chives around the perimeter of the plants, then it will discourage pests from stealing your cucumbers for food. Another way to deter pests is by planting marigolds around the perimeter of your garden. If the marigolds are close to the cucumbers they will deter birds from eating them.
Once your cucumbers are large enough to be harvestable then you will have to pick them. You will want to cut the cucumbers down to one inch sections. Place these sections into a container or pot. Place a wire trellis on the bottom of the container. The wire trellis should not be bent or twisted. If the trellis is twisted, the cucumbers will be unable to grow straight down because the vines would be caught in the twists.
Water the plants well when you pull the plants from the trellis. Water the plants just before you plant them back into the ground. If the soil is heavy, then it is better to use heavy pots. If the soil is light, then you should use lightweight containers.
Most vegetable gardening experts recommend that you place the plants about three inches deep. This will ensure that they receive the right amount of sun and shade. The depth will also help them get the proper amount of fertilizer. Be sure that you have enough space in your garden for the cucumbers to grow freely.
When choosing to grow cucumbers for your garden, you need to be aware of two potential problems that might occur. They are called Powdery Mildew and Botrytis. The Powdery Mildew can be found on the leaves, stems and fruit itself. The Powdery Mildew is not toxic to humans but may harm your plants through death or disease. Botrytis is the common disease that affects squash and melon.
There are some special considerations when it comes to growing cucumber plants in containers. When growing cucumber in a container, make sure that there is enough room for the female flowers to grow properly. Most plants prefer full sunlight, but you should choose plants that can tolerate partial shade. Females do best with plenty of light.
When growing cucumber in containers, you will also want to use a good potting soil. Look for a type of potting soil that will provide drainage and support the weight of the plant. Your choice of potting soil will depend upon the variety of vegetables you want to grow. For example, most varieties do well in containers that are filled with loosely packed soil. On the other hand, some varieties require root barriers to keep them from sliding or sinking into the dirt.