supporting cucumbers

[salilah]

I've 6 or so cucumber plants (Mirelle?) in Morrisons buckets in the greenhouse - I've only ever grown one cucumber before, which was outdoors, grew up the sweetpea obelisk a bit, got one cuc. and it only got to around 2ft high
In the greenhouse I guess they will grow bigger - what are your recommendations on supporting? They are currently in the buckets on the staging - with short canes around 2ft high, 2 per bucket - but should I be doing the same as tomatoes and putting in string up to the ceiling? Will they hold onto string or do they need to be wound around?
Any advice really welcome!!
thanks
Salilah

[Tomatoking]

I've 6 or so cucumber plants (Mirelle?) in Morrisons buckets in the greenhouse - I've only ever grown one cucumber before, which was outdoors, grew up the sweetpea obelisk a bit, got one cuc. and it only got to around 2ft high
In the greenhouse I guess they will grow bigger - what are your recommendations on supporting? They are currently in the buckets on the staging - with short canes around 2ft high, 2 per bucket - but should I be doing the same as tomatoes and putting in string up to the ceiling? Will they hold onto string or do they need to be wound around?
Any advice really welcome!!
thanks
Salilah

Hi Salilah

Well mine nearly take over the polytunnel. So I would get yours off the staging. Put a string up to the wire and wind them clockwise around the string. The do have little tenticles that will grip on, but with the weight of all the cucumbers that you will get, the plant would slide down.
Some people grow on the stem, but I like to take 4 or 5 side shoots instead and put strings up to the wire. It all depends on how much room you have and how many cucumbers you want.

There are a few pictures on my blog in the cucumber section to give you an idea.

Mr TK

[salilah]

Oh boy! Thanks for the link to the blog - very helpful
I think perhaps I was over-optimistic about size given my one outside cuke last year - this looks serious!!
I'll move the chilis and peppers and aubergines, and move the cukes to the floor and think about support - your advice much appreciated!
cheers
Salilah

[taff]

I used some bean netting that was over last year, hooked it on to those little white plastic thingies in the greenhouse struts, hey presto, they enjoyed it [translation - I didn't have to do any work looking after them at all ]

[fleegle]

My cucumbers are currently making their way up some cheap trellising I got from Wilkinsons. It has worked 2 years on the trot so I will take that as a success for me anyway (I do the 'trial & error' style of veggie growing).
I have a home bit polytunnel and have attached the trellis to the sides using good old garden twine around the support poles. it cost me something like £2 so pretty good value really!