Cucumber

Cucumbers climb a trellis out of a 5 to 7 gallon bag here, giving straight fruit, clean leaves, and steady picking from July into September. Two plants keep the crisper full without claiming bed space.

Growing

Direct sow after frost in late May, or start peat pots three weeks ahead in late April and transplant without disturbing the roots. One or two plants per bag with the trellis installed the same day; vines trained upward dry faster after rain, which is most of mildew prevention. Even moisture matters more than feeding, since drought-stressed cucumbers turn bitter at the stem end. Pick young and pick daily once they start; one hidden yellow blimp tells the vine its work is done.

Varieties

Marketmore 76 is the dependable slicer; Diva sets smooth fruit without needing pollination and stays mild; Boston Pickling covers the jar side.

Pests

Striped cucumber beetles do double damage: chewed seedlings, then bacterial wilt spread as they feed, which can collapse a healthy vine in days. Row cover from sowing until first flowers, then morning hand-patrols while the beetles are sluggish. If wilt takes a vine, pull the whole thing; there is no cure, only spread.

In the kitchen

Smashed cucumber salad and spears with everything through July. The pickling rounds go to refrigerator dills long before canning ever feels necessary.