How it started/How it's going: Cucumbers
Raise your hands all who don’t like observing how something goes from seed to grown plant. This post and the half a dozen to follow on the topic are for those who do like observing plant growth. There’s something so gratifying in this process, especially if you’ve taken some part in it.
Cucumbers are not something we were eager to try growing. We had one pathetic attempt a few years ago, which ended in utter failure so we concluded they’re a hassle and not worth the trouble.
But since we were sowing seeds for spring planting season anyway, we decided to throw in a few cucumber ones in the pots. If they grew, fine. If they didn’t, well, that’s life. You already know what happen next.
They grew. They grew so conveniently that Cat and Irina used them as video illustration of repotting.
Then they grew some more. In line with our decision to try them but without taking any special care, we didn’t take any special care besides the occasional sprinkling with water. Two months later, they were still alive and surprisingly good-looking. Into the ground they went.
The planting of the cucumbers happened to coincide with the start of spring rainy season so the only care we provided was a flimsy frame to help them grow up and not along the bed where the cucumbers would risk rotting. Up they grew, and also left and right, and forwards and backwards. Cucumbers are Krakens.
Soon enough, after the initial burst of all-male flowers, their female flowers began emerging and despite multiple reports of dwindling pollinator numbers, ours must be doing well because the fruit survived and started growing. Two months after the permanent planting, this is what we had:
Literally three days after this video was made, the first cucumber looked like this:
Cucumbers are extremely gratifying to grow because once they start growing they don’t mess around. We’ve planted two later varieties, too, emboldened by our success with the early guys.
Cucumber growing, then, turned out to be virtually hassle free, except for the lice, which we didn’t expect on a plant so fuzzy and spiky. Ladybirds and ants are having a feast and we’re going to have ourselves a lice massacre as soon as someone remembers to make the spray. Until then, it’s cucumber salads and facemasks.
Lol.. Cucumbers are one of the plants I always grow, b/c they always seem to over-produce. One plant will feed one person for the summer. They are best eaten raw at the smaller stage of development. In recent years, I have strived to grow a much more manageable garden by not growing way more than I need to eat.. the Cukes will surprise you with fruit. Many times one can pick both sides of a row, then return and pick the ones you missed the first time around. If they grow large they have a more bitter hull, but smaller I eat without peeling. So I hope you have plenty of neighbors who love them! Lol.
On a side note--other over producers that do the same and generally grow well are Squash, peppers, Tomatoes, and Okra, all of which I love. They take less space if planted well, and produce fabulously if disease and weather cooperate. Corn and Beans, I buy at local produce markets as they take much more effort and space.
I am currently WAAY behind on my gardening due to weather and working two part time jobs, and seem to be the only one who is willing to do the sweaty part of gardening, but everyone loves the food around here..lol..I love going out in the morning and puttering in the garden so it works well for both of us. Good luck with your and your families gardening Irina, may the cucumber remain a constant staple to your diets!
Pickle them, Irina!