Cucumber planting?

[mudpies]

Have just noticed on my packet of Picolino seeds that the indoor sowing time says FEB-may. This of course is like a red rag to a bull, and my fingers are now itching to get them started! But in my heart of hearts it still feels a little early. Has anyone started theirs yet?

[Currysniffa]

Yup, My cucumber seeds went in on the 5 February in growing Baby F1, I don't like cucumber but grow them for my son and mother-in-law. There looking very healthy in a unheated propagator in the window sill.

[marchogaeth]

I'll be putting mine in next week but with an open mind as to whether I'll need to put another couple in next month. Having read this thread and seen this from Potstubsdustbins....

I grow my cumbers the other way. Up a 7ft cane into the roof of the GH and then along a strong piece of cord. It is quite easy to get a 12ft cumber this way and the fruit hanges down free of all obstructions.

I've been out planning how to use diagonal canes off the grow bars in my tunnel to acheive the same effect without reducing light levels. I am going to try some cues in the garden, too but am not hopeful on my site.

[rana]

I won't be sowing until at least April. Cucumbers need protection from cold and frost so Feb sounds a bit early to me

[Poolcue]

I have Piccolino but won't be starting them until March at the earliest.Last year I kept one in the conservatory and had great success.

[Dead Dogs]

I put 4 seeds, Marketmore, in a heated propagator on Sunday. Seedlings are up and doing ok.

[Alison]

I've sowed early in the past and they're a right pain by the time you can plant out as they'll be triffids. Now only ever sow in early April and get a great crop every year. In my opinion it's FAR too early.

[mudpies]

Thanks guys, went for half measures in the end - 4 in, 4 waiting til later. Actually was only stopped from gleefully planting them all by reading the thread about cheap seeds in Lidl...decided to go there and check it out....so 4 cucumber seeds saved, but 6 more packets of seeds bought!!!
Like the idea of training them up the tunnel crossbars...

[Potstubsdustbins]

I haven't sown my cumbers yet, will wait a while so they get better light. I usually have them on a bedroom window sill, last year they were climbing up SWMBO's net curtains not good for a quite life.

Don't forget you can treat cumbers like toms, as you 'pot on' plant deep, this will encourage further root growth from the stem. Just don't use to much water.

Colin

[Thelma Sanders]

glad you added the last bit, cos the stems seemed to rot really easily when I did that.

I always plant the stem above soil level nowadays, and sink a watering pot at the side, so the stem stays nice and dry

[traceys plot]

Hi I have lots of lemon cucs through and half a dozen traditional ones. I did get the seeds going in warm water first x

[Potstubsdustbins]

Thelma, don't know about you but I always water cumbers from the bottom via a dish. This also encourages root growth as they go looking for the water.

Colin

[ammi]

I start the secon week in march. I tried it in febuary a couple of years ago and had very poor plants from it.

[salome2001]

yup, planted them a few days ago and germinated them in the airing cupboard. Now emerged and on a sunny windowsill for the time being, and then they'll be in the conservatory until ready to go out. Bush Champion F1 (outdoor variety)

[Thelma Sanders]

Thelma, don't know about you but I always water cumbers from the bottom via a dish. This also encourages root growth as they go looking for the water.

Colin

Mine are planted in the soil border, rather than in pots