How to Grow Pickling Cucumbers
Cucumbers grown for pickling have firmer skins and smaller seeds than other cucumbers. Pickling cucumbers are generally shorter and more square than a traditional salad cucumber. Some preferred cucumber varieties for pickling include bush pickle and carolina. Cucumbers do not require a lot of time or special knowledge to grow. They also take up only a small amount of space because they are vines and grow well upward if staked. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Form small hills of soil that are 12 inches apart. Place two or three seeds in each hill at 1 inch deep, and cover lightly with soil. The soil chosen needs to be fertile and loose so that it drains well.
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Water the hills carefully at ground level. Overhead watering will possibly wash away the seeds.
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Place mulch or pine needles around the area that is planted. This will warm the soil to protect the seed and encourage growth.
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Continue watering weekly when it is needed. The soil will need to stay damp to allow for growth, but do not water if there has been recent rain. Soil that is too soggy will cause the seedlings to rot.
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When the plants begin to grow vigorously, use a wire cage or wooden stakes to help the plant to grow upright. Cucumbers will grow if on the ground, but they are more at risk for pests and disease.
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Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich formula every two weeks once plants are well established. Use a formula that is labeled 10-10-10.
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Weeds that grow near the plants will steal nutrients and inhibit growth. Check the area around the plants frequently, and remove any weeds that are found growing.
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Harvest the cucumbers when they have reached a full green color and are firm when squeezed.
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Tips & Warnings
Cucumber seedlings are easily started indoors if preferred. Plant the seeds in a seed tray, and water well. Place clear plastic over the tray, and place the tray in an area that will receive bright but indirect light. When seedlings appear, remove the plastic to allow room for growth. Keep the soil moist, and move the plants to a permanent location when they are well established.
If a cucumber plant is exposed to a constantly hot and dry environment, the resulting fruit will have a sour flavor that is caused by the stress of growing in that environment. Keep plants well watered, and provide shade if needed.
