Cucumbers are some of the best and easiest vegetables you can grow, but what about if you don't have a lot of space? Thankfully, you can grow cucumbers vertically which not only saves you a ton of space, but is also better for the plant itself. If you're interested in learning how to grow cucumbers vertically, keep reading below and follow our easy planting guide!
One of the advantages of growing cucumbers vertically, is that you can avoid rot, which occurs when the plant sits in moist soil. When you're growing them vertically, you're allowing for good air circulation that prevents rot and fungal diseases.
Growing them vertically will also allow the sun to reach more leaves, which means a bigger harvest for you!
How to Grow Cucumbers Vertically – a DIY Guide
Choosing a Container & Trellis
- Choose large containers that are at least 12 inches wide.
- How many cucumbers you can plant in the container will depend on the variety of cucumber that you're growing, but try not to crowd them too much.
- Choose or make a 5-6 foot trellis that is sturdy.
- If you're growing the climbing variety, use an A frame trellis so that the cucumber vines can crawl up.
Planting Cucumbers:
- Sow seeds directly into good quality, well draining soil.
- Cover the seeds with about 2 cm of soil.
- Once germination occurs and the plants have true leaves, transplant the biggest and strongest ones into a bigger pot.
- Only transplant outdoors once temperatures have reached 70F (20C).
- If you grow in a tropical or subtropical climate, you can grow cucumbers year round.
- Because cucumbers are heavy feeders like tomatoes, be sure to prepare the soil with manure and compost.
- Place your potted cucumbers in sunny spot away from strong winds.
Cucumber Care:
- Water your cucumber plants deeply and regularly.
- Avoid wetting the foliage.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- Right after you transplant, add a slow release fertilizer.
- Once the plant starts to flower, side dress with aged manure.
Harvesting Cucumbers:
- Cucumbers are usually ready for harvest 60-90 days after sowing.
- Pick the cucumbers when they are green and not too ripe.
So now that you know how to grow cucumbers vertically, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
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