So how DO you train cucumbers?

[1Bee]

Every time I read up about it I get confused. I think I have a mental block!

Anyone have a simple explanation?

I have a cucina in a grow house and a marketmore on the plot.

[craftymarie]

My dad has been growing cucumbers successfully for many years in their conservatory. All he ever does is stick in a large bamboo pole into each container and ties the main stem to it every few inches. He said he also has to tie some of the stems to the pole if they get heavy but that's it. Nothing complicated. Once they get to the ceiling he pinches the tops out. His cucumbers are always brilliant.

[Penellype]

I have 2 cucumbers in pots in the greenhouse and I've put up a piece of the stiff plastic mesh you can get from garden centres. For each plant I've tied a piece of string to the top of the mesh and wound it gently round the stems This pulls the plants towards the mesh where they grab hold of it with their tendrils.

Last year I grew Vega, which branched all over the place and covered the mesh. This year I am growing Cucino which seems not to branch so much so far. The bigger plant is about 3ft tall. I'm hoping to train it along a wire when it reaches that high, although last year Vega didn't like this.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Grown in a pot in the GH. 6ft cane stuck in pot, main stem tied in every few inches, when it gets to the top of the cane it meets a 6mm rope which is suspended below the GH roof and its tied to that. result 14ft of cumber plant.

[Containergardener]

Always done in pots with cane , sometimes single , sometimes wigwam of 3.
Like Pottys idea. I will try that in mums first as hers is so tall already (hana mini) , il see if can send over roof hehe.

[Bal]

I have put up bean netting in the green house and extended it up to the apex of the roof. A bit like a minty I suppose.
I mean munty

[1Bee]

Thank you! I have a better idea now. I don't think I've ever seen cucumbers growing...

[Containergardener]

Thank you! I have a better idea now. I don't think I've ever seen cucumbers growing...

3 or 4 )yrs ago, first time growing them ...too many plants yr

[happyhumph]

I use a reward based system - if they're good plants they get treats & a sunny spot in the greenhouse. If they're naughty I ignore their bad behaviour & lavish praise on the tomatoes instead.....
Sorry, very tired, brain doing strange things. Must go to sleep

[Bren In Pots]

Grown in a pot in the GH. 6ft cane stuck in pot, main stem tied in every few inches, when it gets to the top of the cane it meets a 6mm rope which is suspended below the GH roof and its tied to that. result 14ft of cumber plant.

I do the same thing Potty only I grow mine in the GH border in bottom-less pots.

[Jonnyt]

My understanding with types like Marketmore is that the crop is increased by encouraging side shoots and the proscribed method is to pinch out the top of the main stem when it has six true leaves. Never done this before until this year so I cannot say how well this does or doesn't work though I now have triffids starting to sprout cucumbers

[Baldy]

My question would be:
"So how DO you stop cucumber suicidal tendencies?"

Its been a particularly tiresome year cukewise. They've been topping themselves at the drop of a hat... Think I've got one left in the GH from about 8.
Tried to catch up by sowing seed onto damp/warm tissue paper about a month ago and didn't get a single germination - cheap seed admittedly.
Think the beggars have got the better of me this year

[1Bee]

Bad luck Baldy.

You mean that works on Cucumbers HH? Cause it sure has never worked for my children...

[veggiechicken]

I need to ask - what do want to train the cucumbers to do?
Sit, beg, walk to heel??.............It doesn't work with the pups but might with cukes.

[happyhumph]

I have had partial success with both dog & children, except for 2 key areas - the dog still likes to escape & children still query why they have to do things like homework, get dressed in the morning, &do what I say occasionally!

So, if I can train my cucumbers not to run away from the greenhouse & not to question my growing methods I'll mark it up as a success. Could be on to a winner here

Mind you, the thought of entering a cucumber into crufts obedience & agility sections has some appeal & could earn me millions plus world domination

Off to talk to my courgettes about their lacklustre performance at tap dancing practice. ........