Cucumbers can be difficult to grow in pots since they require a lot of space.If you choose a bush variety instead of a climbing variety or provide room for the cucumber to spread out you can do it.Use well-draining soil and keep it moist throughout the growing season to help your potted cucumber plant grow.
Step 1: Cucumber can be a bush variety.
In general, bush varieties are easier to grow in pots than vine varieties.A variety suited to a container 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 suitable for container growing.
Step 2: Pick a pot that is at least 25 cm wide.
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 19 liters.If you can, use a larger container outdoors.It will retain more water.If you want to grow cucumbers, you can use a rectangular planter box.
Step 3: If your container does not have holes, add them.
Cucumbers can be damaged by standing water.If possible, look for a pot that already has 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, lightly press the bit 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 may break the pot if you press too hard or drill too fast.
Step 4: You can clean your pot with hot water and soap.
bacteria can cause your plant to rotIf you've used the pot for another plant, you may have hidden insect eggs that will hatch and attack your cucumbers.Use a rag or dish brush to scrub it down.You need to rinse it out several times to get all the soap out.
Step 5: Prepare a stake.
A stake is required to grow vine cucumbers.Bush cucumbers benefit from it.Start with 3 long stakes or bamboo poles.Tie them together with a cord or yarn at the top.The teepee shape can be created by spreading the bottoms of the stakes out.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 soil mix.
If you want to mix your own soil, try mixing sand with 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 don't make it too small.There is empty space between the rim of the pot and the soil.Check 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: A goodfertilizer can boost nutrition.
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 label.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 that focuses on improved vegetable yield.It's safer to give your cucumbers a slightly higher concentration if you use a 14-14-14fertilizer.If you want a safe alternative, choose an organicfertilizer.
Step 8: Once the weather warms up, 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 2 weeks after the last frost.You can start the seeds whenever you want.
Step 9: Take a 2 in hole into the center of the soil.
The hole should be equal in depth and width.The rounded end of a pencil can be used to create it.If you have a larger planter, place the holes evenly around the edge of a circular planter or across a rectangular planter.
Step 10: The seeds should be planted in a hole that is about 13mm deep.
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: You can cover the hole with more of your soil mix.
Drop the soil over the seeds.The seeds may be damaged if the soil is pushed 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: A plastic collar can be used with an old water bottle.
Plants can be protected if it's still cool outside.The plastic bottles have tops and bottoms.They should be washed with hot soap and water.Place one around the plant.It shouldn't blow away if it's put into the ground.Wind protection and warmth are provided by these collars.Some pests may be protected by them.
Step 13: Water the seeds after they are planted.
The soil should be moist after you water the seeds.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: Spread the moss or straw over the soil after watering.
Spread a thin layer of moss or mulch over the seeds.The mulch helps keep the soil from drying out so the seeds and seedlings have a chance to grow.
Step 15: A bright location with at least 8 hours of sunlight is where you should place your pot.
Cucumbers thrive in warm weather and the extra sunlight will keep the soil nice and warm.It is even better if you have more than 6 hours of sunlight.Cucumbers 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.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 2 sets of true leaves, remove your cucumbers.
To keep, identify the tallest seedlings from each grouping.The other plants should be placed at the surface of 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 plants from the soil.
Step 17: Once the plants reach 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm), it's time to cut down on the number of plants per hole.
Look for the tallest plant in each group.It should have the healthiest leaves.Take the other one and put it 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 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 your finger in it.It is time to water if it is dry.To find out how heavy the pot is, lift it up.The heavier the pot, the more saturated the soil is.To find out how heavy the pot is, check it throughout the day.Adding mulch around your plant will help it retain water.If your area is hot and dry, you may need to water more than once a day.
Step 19: It's a good idea to add a balanced fertilization once a week.
Before adding thefertilizer, Drench the soil.When the plants are dry, adding thefertilizer may cause problems.You should apply as much as the label says you should.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 variety of arthropods.If you want 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 with gloves.Drop them into a bucket of water.A bug vacuum can be used to remove insects from plants.
Step 21: An anti-mildew spray can be used to treat certain diseases.
Infections such as Mildew are common.There are many anti-fungal products on the market, but they are not effective at ridding your plants of diseases.If you have plants that can be carried by cucumber beetles, they will likely die.There is a white powdery substance on the leaves.The leaves turn dull in the day and recover at night.The leaves will die eventually.Baking soda can be mixed with water to make an anti-mildew spray.Shake it up with a dash of dishwashing liquid.If you notice 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're young.The cucumber's stem should be cut about 1/2 inch above it.The cucumber is too mature to be eaten.After planting, most cucumbers are ready to be picked.