How to Plant Cucumbers in Pots

Cucumbers are among the most popular vegetables for gardeners to grow. Container gardening is possible even for vine crops like cucumbers. Choosing smaller varieties of plants and practicing intensive gardening techniques are methods used to grow cucumbers in a small space.

Things You'll Need

• Cucumber seeds
• 1-foot diameter plant pot or larger
• Potting soil
• Trellis

Instructions

1. Prepare your plant pot by putting a piece of screening over the hole in the bottom so that the soil does not fall out. Fill your pot to within one inch of the top with potting soil or other commercial soil-less mix.

2. Insert the trellis in the plant pot, either to the back of the pot or in the center. Choose the back if you have a wall or other place to lean the planter against. Choose the center if your planter will be standing alone.

3. Place the planter outside in an area that will get at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Choose an area protected from the worst of the wind, as well. Excess wind can dry out your planter faster than normal.

4. Plant your cucumbers outside after all danger of frost has passed. Plant four cucumber seeds in separate areas of the planter, all along the edges. Plant each seed about 1 inch deep, and firm down the soil. Water thoroughly.

5. Choose the two strongest plants after two sets of true leaves have opened and remove the others to allow the stronger ones to grow. Keep your plants thoroughly watered as they grow.

6. Fertilize cucumber plants when the vines have begun to start climbing. Mix a handful of compost in with the dirt alongside each plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the cucumbers are ready to pick, harvest every couple of days to keep the plants producing.

References

• National Gardening Association cucumber basics
• Farmers Almanac frost date map