Outdoor cucmbers
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Please could someone answere a question I have about cucumbers. I am growing 3 plants up a cane and string support system in a small garden plot. My question is as they are quite prolific should I pinch the tops to stop them or should I just leave them to grow back down the support. (Hope I have put this question in the right place not very experienced at using this site)
Hi Inga,
The answer is easy because outdoor Cucumbers do not need a cane as they are really meant to grow across the soil then the fruits lie on the soil and do not need supporting. However I feel that you can very carefully cut the cane next to the soil and lay them down if you have the room to do so. Probably a two person job to avoid damage may be best practice.
Hope this Helps.
The answer is easy because outdoor Cucumbers do not need a cane as they are really meant to grow across the soil then the fruits lie on the soil and do not need supporting. However I feel that you can very carefully cut the cane next to the soil and lay them down if you have the room to do so. Probably a two person job to avoid damage may be best practice.
Hope this Helps.
JB.
Hello Inga
As Johnboy says outdoor cucumbers are meant to just roam around all over the place but there's no harm in letting them scramble over a support. They can become quite prolific so you can do a bit of careful pruning. See where fruits are forming and flowers are appearing - judge how many fruits you really need and simply cut out any excessive growth that you don't need. Keep them well watered and fed at all times as they have thin, spreading roots. I grow mine like strawberries ie on a bed of straw as this keeps the fruit clean, away from soil nasties and helps it to mature.
As Johnboy says outdoor cucumbers are meant to just roam around all over the place but there's no harm in letting them scramble over a support. They can become quite prolific so you can do a bit of careful pruning. See where fruits are forming and flowers are appearing - judge how many fruits you really need and simply cut out any excessive growth that you don't need. Keep them well watered and fed at all times as they have thin, spreading roots. I grow mine like strawberries ie on a bed of straw as this keeps the fruit clean, away from soil nasties and helps it to mature.