GRO4US

One plant that is positively thriving in my soil is the cucumber. I chose to grow Boston Pickling cucumbers, a variety from back in the 1880’s. This is one cucumber which I do enjoy, in spite of my dislike for cucumbers.

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned with them during this season.

Trick: Rub Ends, No Soapy Flavor

Sometimes cucumbers taste soapy near its ends; it can be a bad enough taste to slow even the most cucumber-loving vegan. But the trick to get rid of this problem is simplest of all: cut the ends off, one by one, and rub them in a circular pattern. You know you’ve got it right when the cut seam begins to look soapy—so lather up, rinse, discard, then enjoy.  Thanks to my mom for this one.

Tip: “Careful with the water, pal.”

Cucumbers are 95% water. That’s a lot! But, how much water should you give during the bearing cycle of the plant?

I’ve found that the plant will take almost as much water as you will give it. But, depending upon your variety you may not want to drench it with a half-gallon daily. Instead, try giving about a quarter gallon daily and observe the results. If your cucumber is no longer mostly round, and is like a triangle with bulging sides, you’re giving a little too much water; if it is very skinny or oddly shaped, try adding a little more water. I’ve found it to be quite hit-and-miss in getting the optimum growing size, but still gives decent “cukes” in the meantime.

Tip: Pick Early, Pick Often

The objective of a fruiting plant is to produce a mature fruit, once that is done the seeds can propagate the plant. In other words, its job is done when it produces a mature fruit. This is pretty common, but well exemplified in the cucumber. Find the size that tastes best to you and pick it; when in doubt, pick it; when near maturity, pick it. The production of fruits will accelerate as the plant tries to reach its goal.