Cucumbers

Cucumbers are believed to have originated in Asia. They have very large leaves and either grow along the ground or can be trained to grow up a fence or trellis. Cucumbers are warm weather plants and prefer to be planted in mid spring long after the threat of frost has disappeared. This fact might mean that I may have to grow the plants inside for a while until the soil has a chance to warm up and ensure that the plants survive. It has a very short growing season and prefers to be in constant sunlight. Night temperatures around 60 are ideal for the survival of the plants. Cucumbers have both male and female flowers on the same vine, however, only the female flower will grow a fruit. They can have a very high yield if they have sufficient sunlight.
When being planted cucumbers like warm soil that is well drained. They also thrive with a lot of dead organic matter. This will be helpful to me as spinach thrives in compost as well. They also grow well next to beans which I plan to plant. The seedlings are very delicate and require that they be planted in inverted hills, like a downward cone, to avoid the roots being exposed if a heavy rain occurs. Multiple seeds should be planted in each hill in order to ensure that a few hearty seedlings start. Once there are a few seedlings they can be spread out in order to let each plant grow independently.
The cucumber is 95% water and therefore needs sufficient amounts of water to stay healthy. Large amounts of water can increase the impacts of soil compaction, so many people recommend mulching in order to ward off this problem.
Weeding is necessary in order to make sure that the cucumber plants are not out-competed. And when the cucumber is fully grown it is imperative that they be harvested because the plant does not begin growing new fruits if there is still a mature fruit attached to the plant.
Aphids and cucumber beetles present the largest pest problems. Aphids can be picked off where they have begun feeding. Cucumber beetles do not present a problem in feeding but they often carry a disease that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and eventually the whole plant to die. Pesticides are often the most effective remedy. Luckily, due to there fast growing nature, it is okay lose a few of the cucumbers in order to remain organic.
Harvesting occurs about 2 and a half months after planting. Most of the fruit should be harvested in order to ensure the continued production of the whole plant.