Rulfs Orchard Logo for Website Peru Bakery Apple Orchard Farmers Market Store
Since 1952
Rulfs Orchard Logo for Website Peru Bakery Apple Orchard Farmers Market Store
Since 1952

Veggie Bootcamp ➡ Cucumber

Whether bought from the local Farmer's Market or grown at home, cucumbers are good for hydration with their high water content, and are packed with important vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and K, fiber, and Potassium. They are also an antioxidant! If you do decide to try growing them this season, you'll find they are an easy-to-care-for veggie that grows quickly - so long as they get consistent warmth and water.

Once you've got your Veggie House cucumber starters home, choose a site with full sun and well-draining soil for planting. Make sure the soil is good and fertile by mixing in compost and/or aged manure before planting (our Garden Mix works, too!). Adding mulch such as chopped leaves, straw or another organic variety will protect your cucumber plants from pests, as well as keeping bush-variety plants off the ground to avoid disease.

Here are some recommended planting distances for different cucumber types:

  • Vertically vining: 18 inches apart
  • Sprawling bush plants: No less than 3 feet apart

Consistent watering is key for your cucumbers. Press your finger into the soil, if it is dry past the first joint of your finger, it’s time to water! Avoid the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage disease. Try to water slowly in the morning or early afternoon.

If your cucumber variety is the type to vine as it grows, bear in mind that the plants will likely need to be tied to their supports as they develop - especially as the fruit comes in.

Cucumbers are ready to harvest and are of the best quality when uniformly green, firm, and crisp. Harvest regularly with a sharp knife or pruners to encourage the plant to grow more! Keep an eye on your plants, as cucumbers grow quickly and you may find yourself harvesting every couple of days. We hope you have a plan for all of those delicious cukes!

To store, wrap tightly in plastic to retain moisture and refrigerate. They will keep for a week to ten days if stored properly.

Here are some recipe ideas to get you started...


Share your own recipes and tips on our Facebook and spread the homegrown love!

*While stocks last. Our Veggie Starters sell fast, and so we cannot guarantee availability of any one item.

*We ask that all visitors please follow social distancing guidelines of leaving 6 feet between you and others, and wearing a mask to reduce the risk to yours and other households. Thank you in advance!

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