If you'd like to grow a tasty crop of cucumbers, here's some advice to help you along. When growing cucumbers plant them in an area that gets several hours of direct sunlight daily. The cucumber can be grown on a trellis in the smallest of space.

Early summer is the best time to plant cucumbers. If you plant them too early and a frost comes through, the plant will be damaged or killed. The ideal temperature for growing cucumbers is around 70 degrees. As is the case with many vegetables, well-drained soil is a big plus. Adding good compost and mixing it in thoroughly helps prevent soil from becoming waterlogged. You want the pH to hover around 6.5, which compost will help you achieve.

When a growing cucumber begins to flower a good fertilizer can be used. Using a root builder when the plants are getting started can increase the crop. When possible use only natural products so the plants develop a strong immune system that can fight off disease and pests. If you experience drought condition adding a 3-inch layer of mulch will help preserve moisture below the surface.

Harvesting cucumbers:

After about sixty days many cucumbers are ready for harvesting. Different varieties need more or less time. It is best to follow the seed package instructions for accurate picking times. A mistake many people make is letting the vegetable to turn yellow of grow too large. In both cases the vegetable develop a bitter flavor.

Cucumber pests and Disease:

When growing cucumbers a pest you'll likely face is the cucumber beetle. This garden pest attacks the plant early in life and is well-known for spreading bacteria wilt. Mites, aphids, and pickleworms are other garden pests you may face. Leaf spot, downy mildew and powdery mildew are common diseases that can affect the cucumber.