Plant cucumber seeds in the garden 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost, or when the soil is at least 60°F (16°C). Set cucumber seedlings in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost.
Grow cucumbers in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and need a moderate amount of nitrogen and potassium and a high amount of phosphorus; use an organic fertilizer formulated for tomatoes. Keep the soil evenly moist during flowering and fruit development.
Cucumbers grow well as a trellised crop; the fruit will grow straighter, cleaner, and healthier. Remove the lateral branches from the bottom 18 inches of stem for the best fruit production; this strategy will delay the onset of fruits but will result in a greater number of fruits.
In short-season regions with late last frost dates, plant cucumbers as soon as peas and spinach are finished.

Cucumber planting dates
(These dates are for the Northern Hemisphere)
Average date of the last frost | Planting dates |
Jan. 30 | Feb. 15-Mar. 15 |
Feb. 8 | Feb. 15-Apr. 1 |
Feb. 18 | Feb. 15- Apr. 15 |
Feb. 28 | Mar. 1-Apr. 15 |
Mar. 10 | Mar. 15-Apr. 15 |
Mar. 20 | Apr. 1-May 1 |
Mar. 30 | Apr. 10-May 15 |
Apr. 10 | Apr. 20-June 1 |
Apr. 20 | May 1-June 15 |
Apr. 30 | May 15-June 15 |
May 10 | May 20-June 15 |
May 20 | June 1-15 |
May 30 | June 5-15 |
June 10 | June 10-15 |

Cucumber planting details
- Sowing depth: 1/2 inch (12mm) or slightly more
- Space between plant after thinning: 12-24 inches (30-60cm)
- Days to sprout: 8-12
- Days to harvest: 50-70
- Storage period: 1-2 weeks
- Seeds per 100-row feet: 3/4 ounces
- Yield per 100-row feet: 600 fruits
- Suggested varieties: Slicers: Marketmore, Bush Champion, Salad Bush, Diva; Picklers: Pickalot, Pioneer, Northern Pickling; Others: Suyo Long, Lemon, Armenian; For containers: Pot Luck, Spacemaster, Salad Bush.
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