How to Plant Cucumbers in a Raised Bed
Imagine a summer salad without that cool crunch that cucumbers offer – it just won’t do, right? They are refreshing and have a high percentage of water, making them a desired vegetable in any salad. So, it’s no surprise why they are among the most popular vegetables in your garden.
You surely know that cucumbers are tropical vegetables that thrive when there is plenty of water around and hot weather. They sure like their summer, like most of us. Since it is a frost-tender plant, you should grow cucumbers in warmer weather or at least two weeks after the late frost date.
We have prepared this short guide to help you learn the secret to planting and growing cucumbers in your garden or raised garden beds. Be prepared for summer with some delicious cucumbers that you are bound to share with your friends.
Cucumber Plant Types
Before we go on to discuss growing cucumbers, we must first know that there are several types of this plant.
- Bush cucumbers are a popular type that are well-suited for smaller gardens and can be planted in containers.
- Vining cucumbers are the most common cucumber variety because they grow fast and have an abundant yield. They thrive on vigorous vines sheltered by expansive, typically trained upwards along a fence or trellis. Growing off-ground means that the fruits are cleaner and easier to pick.
You will also find outdoor and greenhouse cucumbers that adapt to the weather and the environment. And then there are the Calypso and Boston Pickling cucumbers, which are great for, you guessed it, pickling.
How to Grow Cucumbers
Not every time of the year is the ideal time to plant a vegetable. Therefore, timing is crucial when planting cucumbers if you want to have a successful harvest.
As mentioned, cucumbers thrive in warm weather and are highly sensitive to frost. This means that the average daily temperature of the soil should be around mid-70s°F.
Choose an area with lots of sun and well-drained and fertile soil. The soil's pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8. However, you can mix in some rich organic matter to improve its quality
How Far Apart to Plant Cucumbers
- In-Ground Planting: If you grow cucumbers in the ground, space them 30 to 60 inches apart. This broad spacing promotes growth and air circulation, lowering the danger of disease.
- Raised Bed with Trellis: If you grow cucumbers in a raised bed with a trellis, space them 12 to 24 inches apart. Using a cucumber trellis helps cucumbers grow vertically, saving space and improving air circulation, which can lead to healthier plants and easier harvesting.
More detailed planting spacing:
- When planting bush cucumbers in the ground, keep them 30–60 inches apart, and in raised beds, keep them 12–18 inches apart.
- Vining cucumbers should be spaced 36–60 inches apart when planted in the ground and 18–24 inches apart when grown in raised beds.
Ps: learn about how to choose wall trellis for growing cucumbers.
Raised Bed Size for Growing Cucumbers
If you're considering growing cucumbers in a raised bed, it's a fantastic idea! Cucumber plants have extensive root systems and sprawling vines, requiring ample space to grow and spread. For optimal growth, a raised bed for cucumbers should ideally be at least 17 inches deep.
Referring to the planting space for growing cucumbers, we recommend using 17" tall 8x2 ft raised beds or 8x4 raised beds for growing cucumbers.
In an 8x2 ft raised bed, you can grow one row: 5 to 8 bush variety plants or 4 to 5 vining variety plants.
In an 8x4 ft raised bed, you can grow two rows: 10 to 16 bush variety plants or 8 to 10 vining variety plants.
How to Water Cucumber Plants
Once the seedlings emerge, it’s time to start with frequent watering, which is the main care requirement for cucumbers. If your fruit is bitter-tasting, that means that you have inconsistently watered the plant. Remember, cucumbers need at least one inch of water per week and sometimes even more if the temperatures get really high. Utilize the mornings and early afternoons to water the plant slowly ensuring to avoid wetting the leaves. This can encourage leaf diseases, which will surely ruin the veggie.
Add mulch around the plants to retain the moisture while growing cucumbers. When the seedlings become about 4 inches tall, you should thin the veggie and make the cucumber plant spacing about 18 inches apart.
Once the plant starts to bloom, fertilize it the first week and then every three weeks. Be careful with the fertilizer, as over-fertilizing will stunt the fruits.
Cucumber Companion Plants
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are among the most popular companion plants for cucumbers. Growing them together can enhance soil fertility as they share similar growth cycles and patterns, typically maturing in 60-80 days.
Beans
If your system allows, cycling between net and PE covers at different times of the year can improve plant growth. While the PE cover is great for colder seasons for its warmth-trapping propensity, the net cover works well in warmer conditions with its enhanced ventilation and sunlight provision.
Onions
Onions act as potent insect repellents, safeguarding cucumbers from pests. Similarly, aromatic herbs like rosemary and mint serve as natural repellents.
Beets
With their deep root systems, beets contribute to soil structure and aeration, fostering a healthier soil environment for cucumbers.
Marigolds
Marigolds emit a unique scent that deters pests such as nematodes and aphids. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, making them a popular choice among gardeners for companion planting with vegetables.
In general, vegetables with large leaves and plants with a distinctive odor can be used as companion plants for cucumbers, and the two interact with each other for healthy growth. Read more about companion planting guides.
Conclusion
Growing cucumbers in garden or a raised bed can be a fun and very rewarding experience. It is also a great way to produce healthy and delicious fruit right in your backyard. Once you select the suitable variety for your climate, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh cucumbers. Cucumbers need lots of sun and water, and they need to be checked regularly for pests and diseases to take preventive measures on time.
And once the fruits are on your table, you can add them to tasty salads or enjoy the numerous benefits of cucumber water. They will keep you hydrated, healthy, and fit.
