Planting Cucumbers From Seeds: Beginner 101

Cucumbers are a favorite summer treat and so easy to grow! This guide will walk you through the process, from sowing to transplanting, ensuring you’ll have delicious homegrown cucumbers in no time.

Timing is Everything

Start your cucumber seeds indoors 7 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area. To know when this is, research when the last frost date is for your growing area, and back up 7 weeks to start your seeds indoors. For example, if your last frost date is April 15th then you should start your seeds indoors between February 18 – 25. From the time of planting the seed, tomatoes take roughly 50-70 days to grow and finish fruit. So if you start your seeds indoors, you can expect to begin picking cucumbers around April 19.

Carefully planning your seed start date ensures your seedlings will be ready for transplanting when the weather warms up and you will be enjoying cucumbers as early as April.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, collect the following:

• High-quality seed starting mix
• Clean containers with drainage holes
• Cucumber seeds of your choice
• Labels
• Spray bottle or watering can
• Grow lights or a sunny window

Sowing the Seeds

1. Fill your containers with moistened seed starting mix, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top
2. Plant 2 seeds per cell or container, 1/2 inch – inch deep
3. Gently cover the seeds with soil and mist the surface to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
4. Label your containers with the variety and date sown
5. Cover the containers with plastic wrap or a clear dome to retain moisture

Germination and Early Care

Place your seed trays in a warm location (75-85°F) for optimal germination

Once seedlings emerge, usually within 7-10 days, remove the cover and move them to a bright spot or under grow lights.

Thinning and Transplanting

When seedlings develop their first two true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell by snipping off the weaker seedlings at soil level.

As they grow, transplant them into 6 inch pots when roots appear at the bottom.

Preparing for the Garden

About a week before transplanting outdoors, begin hardening off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions

Planting in the Garden

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil.
2. Dig holes and mix in some compost and slow-release fertilizer.
3. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
4. Provide a trellis for vertical growth.
5. Water thoroughly and mulch around the plants to retain moisture.

Ongoing Care

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Support your plants with stakes or cages as they grow.
• Feed with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
• Monitor for pests and diseases, addressing issues promptly.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious crisp cucumbers. Remember, gardening is a learning process, so don’t be discouraged if you face challenges. With patience and care, you’ll soon be harvesting your own delicious cucumbers and using them to make salads and eat in dips.