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Intro
Do you want to grow your own cucumbers? Growing cucumber in containers is easy and rewarding. You can even grow them indoors and on patios, balconies, or windowsills from seeds with just a little bit of work. if you have space and time. Cucumbers are best grown from seed because it will be more flavorful than growing them from other sources such as store-bought.
The process for growing a cucumber starts with knowing when to plant the seeds, what kind of soil they should be planted in, and how often should I water my plants? Find out all this information and much more below!
How to Grow Cucumbers in Containers
First, pick out a pot. A five-gallon pot will be best for a cucumber plant, I actually plant two cucumber plants in a five-gallon container. It's important to know what type of container you can use for a cucumber pot. You'll need something with drainage holes in the bottom that will accommodate the height of your plants. If your pots don't have any holes, be sure to poke some! The best containers are those made out of plastic or clay. Terracotta pots are another option, but they tend to dry out too quickly, so you'll need water more often. They also crack when left out in the cold.
How to Grow Cucumbers Vertically
How to Grow Cucumbers on a Trellis
The way I have done this for my pots is to wrap metal fencing around the pot that I'm going to use for my cucumbers. I used zip ties to connect the fence together around the pot. There are so many different ways this can be done but I have chosen to do it this way. This is what works best for me.
Once your cucumber starts growing you'll need to maneuver the plant to get it to grow up the trellis. Once the cucumber has grabbed the trellis with its tendrils it will do well on its own.
Tendrils are the thin curly growth that comes off to grab hold so it can grow vertically.
I don't have a cucumber in here yet, it's still too cold in my area.
How to Grow Cucumbers from Seed
How to Germinate Cucumber Seeds
Using soil blocks is an excellent way to start your seeds. Make your soil blocks, add them to a clear plastic container, and place them in a sunny location or under grow lights. Using a plastic container with a lid will create condensation so your seeds will stay moist and they will not need to be watered continually. Doing this will ensure that your seedlings will not be leggy when they germinate because they will have light soon after germination. When seedlings don't get the sunlight or grow light, they will grow tall and skinny. These will not be healthy or strong seedlings.
Using a heat mat will also help your seedlings to germinate. Cucumber seeds germinate best in temperatures from 70 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparing The Soil Mix
I prefer to make a soil mix myself, but you may also choose a good potting soil. I like Happy Frog Potting Soil. It's essential to make sure you use a potting mix if you buy soil. Buying potting soil will get expensive. Well-draining soil is vital for growing in pots. Cucumbers need well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter.
A good soil mixture is one part compost, one part coco coir, and one part perlite. I add six tablespoons of greensand, six tablespoons of bone meal, six tablespoons of blood meal, and three tablespoons of azomite to the mix. This is what I use for a five-gallon container.
Sunlight Requirements
Cucumbers should have more than seven hours of sunlight.
Water Requirements
Water at least twice a week. Try to water three times a week if you can.
Cucumber Nutrition
Not only do cucumbers help you stay hydrated, but they also provide a wealth of health benefits. Along with potassium and beta carotene; these vegetables have high levels of phytochemicals that can promote optimal heart function, strengthen bones against osteoporosis, encourage healthy weight maintenance by boosting the body's metabolism as well as fighting cancer cells in other parts of the body!
Not many people would think about why their favorite food has such a refreshing taste- Cucumber water is 95% pure H2O! The good news doesn't stop there though: not only are cucumbers crisp and delicious due to this large percentage of water content (which helps keep your thirst quenched), but research shows it contains several nutrients. They carry all kinds of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, folate, beta carotene, and vitamin K. Though it may seem like a boring vegetable to some people, cucumbers can be great for any diet because you could eat them raw or cook them with other vegetables - I actually enjoy eating mine by themselves sometimes.
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