When to Plant: Unlike other cucurbits, cucumbers can handle early cool temperatures. Therefore, planting in April or May is not an issue. If expecting a hard freeze, cover young plants in ground or bring your container cucumber plants indoors for protection.

Light: Full Sun

Soil: Plant in well-drained soil that has been maintained and amended regularly. Try to rotate crops annually to avoid disease issues and attracting the same pests.

If planting in a container (bush cucumbers & dwarf cucumbers), general purpose potting mix works well.

Provide moisture when the top 2-4” of soil is dry. Time between watering cycles is determined by your climate and plant location.

For container plants, utilize a slow release fertilizer unless you used a potting mix with slow release pellets already incorporated.

For in ground planting, fertilize about once per month, according to the needs of your soil. A soil test in fall or winter months when the garden is not in use is ideal to determine what you should add. Check out the Kansas Garden Guide for more information on fertilizers.

Harvest cucumbers at the mature size indicated by the seed packet/catalog. Like squash, it is best to harvest on the early side rather than waiting for fruit to become seedy and large.

Burpless is a term used to describe cucumbers with skin that is not tough and bitter.

Even burpless cucumbers can turn bitter if dealing with drought and heat. Read more about it in an OSU article here.