Composting How To

Composting How To


When choosing a site for composting one should choose an area that is convenient to the kitchen and garden, yet is also out of sight. A composting bin is not an absolute must for composting as any pile of yard waste is suitable for composting. Nevertheless, a composting bin will help keep the composting pile contained and is less unsightly. A composting bin can be easily maintained in a column formed by a piece of wire mesh. A 4″ x 8″ piece of stiff wire mesh will make an acceptable container for a composting bin.

Others may prefer to buy a permanent composting bin or build a 3 bin composting system. Recycled pallets are ideal for building a 3 bin composting system. The composting bin should be left open on one side to allow for adding composting material and removing ready compost. Gardeners that live in a rainy climate should cover their composting bin with plywood. One advantage of the 3 bin composting system is the fact that a gardener can turn the composting material from one bin to another and have a place to store finished compost until it is ready to be used.

The basic elements of compost are green garden debris and brown garden debris. Green garden debris has a high nitrogen content, while brown garden debris has a high carbon content. A large concentration of green garden debris will cause the pile to stink. Also, do not add animal fodder, meat, dairy products, oil of any kind, plants treated with pesticide or herbicide, diseased plants or weeds that have gone to seed.

Ideally, composting bins should have a ratio of 1 part green material to 2 parts brown material. Composting bins with this ratio tend to break down the fastest. An easy way to attain this ratio is by adding one fork or shovel full of green material then add two fork or shovels full of brown material. Mix thoroughly. Continue doing this until the pile measures at least 3′ x 3′ x 3′. Composting bins of this measure or greater heat more quickly. Consequently, they also break down more quickly. Adding a shovelful of finished compost or garden soil will activate the microbes that do the composting work.

Moisture levels need to be correct for breakdown to occur. A composting bin with the proper level of moisture will feel like a damp sponge that has been wrung out. Too little water will not allow for needed heating while too much water will also cool the composting pile. Too much water will also cause a composting pile to stink. Check water levels weekly. Add water if the composting pile is too dry. Add brown garden debris if the composting pile is to moist.

The composting pile should be turned at least once week. This will move material on the outside to the inside and prevent the composting pile from compacting. A compacted composting pile has reduced airflow which slows decomposition.

In approximately 2 months the composting pile should have finished composting. A composting pile is finished when it no longer heats up and none of the materials are recognizable. Finished compost should be dark brown in color, moist and earthy smelling. Finished compost should be turned into a garden’s soil. Partially composted items can be used as mulch.

#1 Fertilizer: Compost


#1 Fertilizer: Compost


Worried about what to feed your tender vegetables? Afraid to use chemically engineered fertilizer? Can I find a natural all purpose fertilizer? Such a person should turn to compost. Compost is the natural all purpose fertilizer.

It is a fact that different plants prefer different nutrients, nonetheless, all plants will find a variety of what they need from healthy soil turned with plenty of compost. Precluding the need to pay close attention to the individual plants diet after having started adding plant specific fertilizers.

Greens like to have plenty of nitrogen for fast, healthy leaf development. Peppers prefer a potassium rich diet to produce tasty fruits. Nitrogen added at the wrong time to tomatoes will give them a bitter taste. Peppers and tomatoes do need nitrogen, however they prefer it during the vegetative stage of development and do not want it during the fruiting stage.

In addition to major nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium, there are many micronutrients a plant needs as well. Among these are calcium, copper, boron and others. Put simply, plants need these to properly use the major nutrients.

Many people ask the question,”How do I use compost?” First, you must have compost. See Composting How To to learn how to make compost. The answer to how do I use compost is a relatively easy answer. A gardener should dig the hole in which the plant is to be placed and remove half of the soil and replace it with compost. The gardener should then be certain the soil and compost are thoroughly mixed. Now, the soil/compost mixture is ready for planting.

Creating soil that is fertile enough to make adjustments later unnecessary is difficult at best. Particularly when gardening in a small area. Despite this, a person should do a few things before starting to brew fertilizer concoctions for each variety of plant in the garden. Be certain the soil is well drained and aerated is a good beginning. The soil pH needs to be between 6 and 7 for most vegetables.

Providing these conditions may be the only thing a gardener needs to do, besides adding plenty of compost. If you do decide you need more, these areas are the place to start. Poor soil or soil with improper pH levels will cause a condition called nutrient lock out which will prevent your plants from absorbing nutrients even if they are present in the soil. The all natural fertilizer compost will aid with all of these areas.

3 Tips For Georgia Florida Organic Gardeners


3 Tips For Georgia Florida Organic Gardeners


From Georgia to Florida and anywhere else organic gardening takes place, growing and transplanting tips are always welcome to help with gardening success.  Possibly the most useful tip is to be excited about the growing experience.  This opportunity is priceless,  from germinating seeds to working the soil or medium in which the plants are growing.  Every dimension of the organic gardening experience can bring tremendous amounts of pleasure.  It is easy to get excited about eating fresh organic vegetables knowing they will not contain any food additives or preservatives.

Tip number 2 for organic gardening success is to start early on creating the organic garden.  The first of the year is an ideal time to start germinating seeds. When germinating seeds, use paper towel tubes as your medium.  Cut one edge then wet the tube to more easily flatten it. Place the now flattened tube on a plate.  Now, place the seeds on the tube in groups of three. Keep the groups separated enough such that after germination the groups can be easily separated without damaging any delicate root structure.  Place the entire plate inside a plastic shopping bag to help keep the moisture on the seeds. Check daily to be certain the seeds stay moistened. In a few days, 7 – 14, the seedlings will have sprouted and can be planted in the chosen medium. When planting, just tear the groups apart and plant the entire piece.  The roots will grow through the paper tube.  Strong roots are a must for organic gardening success.  Georgia Florida organic gardeners should be aware that a paper towel can be used instead of the tube, however, the tube will retain more moisture.  This will lessen the chance that the germinating seeds will dry out.

After the seedlings have sprouted, but it is still too cold to put them outside, it is a good idea to use a fan on low speed to blow across the seedlings.  This is tip number three and is a good idea for a number of reasons.  The action of the fan will simulate the wind a plant will encounter outside. This will cause the plant to develop stronger roots and stems. An oscillating fan will change the direction from which the air contacts the seedlings and will further help root and stem development.  The moving air will also bring a constant supply of carbon dioxide.  Dampening off, or stem rot, is also averted through the use of a fan.

These are only a few organic gardening success ideas.  There are many to be found.  When trying new ideas, it is a good idea to think them through.  Many tips are actually detrimental to the well being of your organic garden.  By thinking new ideas through an organic gardener can avoid the grief that comes from the downfall of an organic garden.

Reasons To Eat 1 Fresh Medium Homegrown Tomato

Reasons To Eat 1 Fresh Medium Homegrown Tomato


There are many reasons to eat 1 fresh, organic tomato a day.  The #1 reason to eat 1 fresh, organic tomato everyday is personal fitness.  Every one needs a personal fitness program; personal fitness includes diet.

To begin a personal fitness program with their diet, a person needs to realize that calories are fuel for the body. Bad fuel, high in fats and refined sugar with no antioxidants, lead the body to accumulate excess body fat. 1 pound of body fat is equivalent to 3500 calories.

We can begin a dietary personal fitness program with our brain. The minerals carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen comprise 96% of the human body, leaving 4% to elements that help transmit messages and process chemical reactions. Proteins are made of 20 amino acids that are essential to a healthy diet. Amino acids consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen; which the body cannot produce itself. However, 1 fresh, medium organic tomato a day can provide many of these amino acids as well as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are vital to a healthy brain.

50-60% of a person’s daily intake should come from carbohydrates.1 fresh, organic tomato supplies 6 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams as dietary fiber. Organic tomatoes are also low in sodium.

1 fresh, organic tomato contains phytochemicals, which help block the enzymes that promote the development of cancer. Phytochemicals work to enhance health and prevent many diseases. Because 1 fresh, organic tomato contains phytochemicals it can claim to enhance mental functions, prevent disease and improve athletic performance.

Water is used by the body to transport other nutrients around the body, remove waste from the body and to help regulate body temperature. 1 fresh, organic tomato contains 141 grams of water with which to assist the body in these multiple functions.

1 fresh, organic tomato is rich in antioxidants and can help prevent night blindness and age related macular degeneration.Antioxidants play a major role in keeping a person healthy. 1 fresh, organic tomato contains 25% of a person’s daily needs of vitamin A, 32% of Vitamin C and 10% of potassium. 1 fresh, organic tomato contains 4.5 mg Omega-3 fatty acids and 119 mg Omega-6 fatty acids.

1 fresh, organic tomato contains phytochemicals and which may reduce certain cancer risks, helps reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce the risk of stroke, can help combat adult onset diabetes. 1 fresh, organic tomato is also rich in amino acids which can help support a healthy brain.  1 fresh, organic tomato is also loaded with amino acids…So, include 1 fresh, organic tomato in your next meal for therapeutic value that starts with the brain.

Cucumbers At Six Weeks


Cucumbers At 6 Weeks

cucumbers at six weeks

At six weeks, your cucumbers should be getting large and showing many flowers with the beginnings of cucumbers on them. However, there will be some issues that you must tackle. Nothing too difficult, yet they must be done or risk jeopardizing your crop.

cucumbers at six weeks

By now you are seeing many vine like structures reaching for something, anything to grab. These tendrils are known as suckers and are vital in supporting your cucumbers. You should train these to grab the trellis you built with stakes and string a few weeks ago. Many people think that these tendrils will grab stems and choke the life out of them. However, this is not the case. They will wrap around them without directly causing damage.

cucumbers at six weeks


Nevertheless, it is unwise to allow this to occur. Leaves will be destroyed by errant suckers that grab onto them. Strong winds can cause the sucker to rip the stem, or whatever has a sucker grabbing it. The plant growing will cause too much weight to be applied to the stem causing it to break. There are a number of different situations that will cause damage to your cucumbers if you allow the suckers to wrap around the plant.

cucumbers at six weeks

You may also notice the roots of your cucumbers beginning to climb out of the soil. If this occurs, then you will need to cover the roots with some compost. If you have no compost, then you can use garden soil. Completely cover the roots and then water thoroughly.

These will be the two biggest issues until the cucumbers get so big they lay on the soil. Laying mulch now will prevent this from occurring. If you neglect to mulch your cucumbers and they do lay on the soil you can put a piece of cardboard, such as might be found wrapping twelve soda cans, between the cucumber and the ground.

The ground is a bad place for any fruit or vegetable to be. The majority of disease, fungus and harmful insect life that can damage your cucumbers can be found in the ground. Also, water trapped between the soil and your cucumber will make your cucumbers rot. It is unacceptable to allow these things to destroy your cucumbers when a little foresight will help you to avert these calamities.

Tomatoes At Ten Weeks

Tomatoes At Ten Weeks


Two and one half months have passed since the start of seed germination and the anticipation of the impending harvest grows with every passing moment. The fragrance of growing tomatoes tugs at your stomach as you peer over the mass of thick green foliage. Just a little while longer; a week, maybe two. Everywhere you look, you see clusters of blooms and growing tomatoes.

Tomatoes At Ten Weeks

All you need to do now is water and wait. If you have been feeding your tomatoes, stick to your schedule. Do not overfeed! As a matter of fact, at this point you may want to stop feeding. At least until your first clusters have been harvested. After the first harvest, only feed your tomatoes half of the recommended amount. Using fertilizer after tomatoes are near harvest is likely to cause them to have an undesirable flavor.

Tomatoes At Ten Weeks


Notice the size of the tomato corona. This is a fairly good indicator as to how big a tomato is going to be. The above cluster is Big Boy. The below cluster is Jet Star. Big Boy coronas are much bigger than Jet Star. Yet Jet Star produces many more blooms. Both are very tasty and very productive.

Tomatoes At Ten Weeks

You need to remember too much water at this point can cause your tomatoes to lose all flavor. Knowing when and how much water to provide during this critical time can seem confusing at best. The first thing you should do is take a deep breath and relax. Keep the soil semi-moist. A little water each day. Approximately eight ounces of water per plant. If a big rainstorm is headed your way, you may want to stop your watering for a day or so, the length predicated by the amount of rainfall expected. Do not stress your plants by under watering.

When you see the color creeping into your tomatoes, mix water with sugar at 1 tablespoon per gallon. Give your tomatoes a thorough soaking with this mixture. Be certain to soak the roots entirely. After this, water just a little everyday. Approximately eight ounces of water per plant.

We know harvest time is only a few days away because the tomatoes have started to change color. Now, is the time to start seriously thinking about what you are going to do with your tomatoes. If you only have a few plants, then you will not need to put much thought into what you are going to do next. If you have many plants, then you are certain to have more tomatoes than you can eat before they go bad.

If this is you, then you need to know what your options for long term storage are. You can find tips on freezing your vegetables at. Or you can sell your excess at your local farmer’s or flea market. In some areas, you can sit on the side of the road and sell your produce. Whatever you decide, the fact that you have reached this point means you have successfully grown tomatoes in your backyard! Quite an accomplishment in this age of living in and for the moment.

Tomato Plants After 8 Weeks


Tomato Plants After 8 Weeks

tomato plants after 8 weeks

After eight weeks, your tomato plants should be green and bushy.  Blossoms should have appeared and even the beginnings of tomatoes sprouting.  Your tomatoes are almost there.  Just another two or three weeks and you will be harvesting your tomatoes.  However, before this happens, there will be a number of things that you need to do.

The first will be to obtain stakes, unless you have already caged your tomatoes.  Stakes may be obtained at your local dollar store.  Or, if you have indeterminate tomatoes you plan on growing until frost, you may want to go to your local hardware store and buy some 10’ long 1” x 2” ‘s.  Push your stakes into the ground, about 12 inches (30 cm).  If you use 1” x  2” ’s, push them into the ground 24 inches (60 cm). Use string to tie your tomatoes to the stakes or purchase plant tape at your local nursery.  Either will work fine.  If you use string, leave some slack to allow for growth of the plants’ stems.

tomato plants after 8 weeks


I have indeterminate tomatoes that I plan to grow until frost, yet I have chosen to use short dollar store stakes.  I am doing this so, later in the season, I can demonstrate how to lower your tomatoes.

At this point, some people will want to add bloom fertilizer.  If this is you, be careful!  You may want to feed your tomatoes half of what the directions say.  Or you may throw caution to the wind.  Specialty nursery stores can provide organic bloom food.  Again, be easy with these fertilizers as well.  Try feeding your tomatoes half of what the directions say.  You will be pleasantly surprised when your tomatoes get bushy instead of leggy.

Variety will play a large role in exactly how bushy your tomatoes get.  For example:  The tomato plant on the left is of the Big Boy variety.  Notice how thick and full it is.  The tomato plant on the right is of the Jet Star variety.  In comparison it seems rather puny.  The stem is only half as thick as the Big Boy.  The foliage is only half as thick  as the Big Boy.

tomato plants after 8 weeks                 tomato plants after 8 weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nevertheless, Jet Star is quite the producer.  The bloom on the left is from a Big Boy.  Big and beautiful!  Not too many clustered with it, though.  Now, look at the picture on the right.  That is the bloom cluster of a Jet Star.  There are nearly fifteen blooms in it!  Actually, there are five just sprouted tomatoes and ten blooms!

tomato plants after 8 weeks                tomato plants after 8 weeks


 

 

 

 

 

Now is the time!  The time is now!  At this point, it is time to start thinking about harvesting your tomatoes.  Relax, you will not actually harvest until the tomatoes turn color, in this case red.  However, at the first sign of their turning color, you will want to feed your tomatoes water with one tablespoon of sugar per gallon.  The reason you need to think about it now is you do not want to over water your tomatoes at this point or they may become watery, lacking much flavor.

Nonetheless, you have prepared for this.  When you first notice your tomatoes turning color, do not water for a day.  After that day, get your garden wagon, plastic tub and watering cup.  Watering cup is, ideally, a large plastic drink cup from your favorite fast food restaurant.  Fill your tub with water and add the appropriate amount of sugar.  One tablespoon per gallon.  Now, dip the cup in the tub and give each of your tomato plants one cup.  Then, do not water again until you harvest.  After harvesting, be certain to give your tomato plants a thorough soaking as the fruit that is not yet ready will need it.  Rinse and repeat as often as you can!

How to Grow Squash/Growing Squash

How to Grow Squash/Growing Squash


There are numerous varieties of squash, most of which can be bountiful producers. They also come in summer and winter varieties, which means they can be grown year round.

Summer Squash

 

 

Start summer squash indoors six weeks before transplanting outside, approximately two to four weeks after starting tomatoes. A week or two before planting your squash seedlings, you should turn the soil where you plan to plant your squash seedlings.  You should build a small hill in which you will plant your squash seedlings.

 

how to grow squash

I built my squash hill with compost.  If you do not have compost, you can build a hill with soil from your yard.

summer squash

summer squash


When your squash seedlings show at least one true leaf, but preferably two, they are ready for the ground.Gently squeeze the container in which you have sprouted your squash seedlings as shown in the photograph.  After loosening the soil, invert the cup while holding the seedling in place with two fingers.  Tap the bottom of the cup if your squash seedling does not slide out on its own.

 

 

 

 

summer squash

summer squash

Your seedlings should look similar to the picture on the left having ample root structure.  Pay close attention to the roots laying on the bottom finger.  Use a hand spade to dig a small hole and put in compost or top soil purchased at your local nursery.  Gently press your squash seedling into hole and cover with compost or top soil.  Now, water in and repeat this process until all your seedlings have planted in the ground.  Water every night for the first week and then every couple of days as needed.

 

Squash love nutrient rich soil and lots of sunlight, so think about this when deciding on where to plant your squash.  Also, try not to plant where you have recently planted squash or any of its relatives.  To help reduce damage from vine borers and cucumber beetles, plant basil or radish in between your squash.  Black plastic mulch is very helpful in growing squash, albeit, unattractive.  This mulch  raises soil temperature for those in cooler climates and conserves moisture.  It also helps to eliminate weeds and deter pests.

Planting Tomatoes In The Ground


Planting Tomatoes In The Ground

Planting tomatoes in the ground,plant your tomatoes in the ground,plant tomatoes ground or container,imidacloprid,ortho,orthene,ortho orthene,dirt turning, dirt turner,tilling, tiller,pest infestations

planting tomatoes in the ground

By now, six weeks after germinating you seeds, your tomato plants should look like plants.  At this point you may be bursting in your readiness to plant your tomatoes in the ground or permanent container, whichever you choose.  Nonetheless, there are a few things you will want to do first.  The first of these things is preparing your garden area for planting.  This means turning the soil and removing unwanted vegetation and removing unwanted insects.

 

 

Planting tomatoes in the ground,plant your tomatoes in the ground,plant tomatoes ground or container,imidacloprid,ortho,orthene,ortho orthene,dirt turning, dirt turner,tilling, tiller,pest infestations

 

I had a few fire ant hills in my garden area before I turned the dirt.  To get rid of,  them I used Ortho Orthene fire ant killer.  I followed the directions on the label and waited two days.  After two days, I was certain there was no more ant activity.  At this point I watered the poison into the ground.  Finally, I waited another week before I actually turned the soil.

Do not use any insecticide that contains imidacloprid!

Imidacloprid is a very effective insecticide.  It is useful for use in controlling fleas and ticks on your dog.  However, it is believed to cause colony collapse in bees.  It has even been banned for use on crops in several European countries.  Bees are necessary in the propagation of your garden.  Tomatoes are self pollinators, however, if you grow anything else you will need the bees.  Use it on your dog, not on your plants!

Turning your soil is not extremely difficult, providing you have the proper tool.  If you have a larger garden you


may opt to purchase a gas powered tiller.  If you have a smaller garden or do not wish to purchase a tiller you may get a manual dirt turner.  It should appear something like this.

Planting tomatoes in the ground,plant your tomatoes in the ground,plant tomatoes ground or container,imidacloprid,ortho,orthene,ortho orthene,dirt turning, dirt turner,tilling, tiller,pest infestations

This is what I use for my medium size garden.  One advantage of using a manual dirt turner is the exercise you will get from using it.  A disadvantage for some is the fact that it takes somewhat longer to do as opposed to a gas powered trimmer.  Also, gas powered tillers will cut through heavy clay soils more easily than a manual dirt turner.  Whichever you choose, be certain that you turn the first twelve inches (30 cm).  When you have finished turning the dirt in your garden area it will appear similar to this photo, the color of soil will depend upon where you live.

Planting tomatoes in the ground,plant your tomatoes in the ground,plant tomatoes ground or container,imidacloprid,ortho,orthene,ortho orthene,dirt turning, dirt turner,tilling, tiller,pest infestations

Planting tomatoes in the ground,plant your tomatoes in the ground,plant tomatoes ground or container,imidacloprid,ortho,orthene,ortho orthene,dirt turning, dirt turner,tilling, tiller,pest infestations,neemYou will need to purchase some Neem oil before you plant.  Neem is effective at controlling insects, fungus and mites.  Mix as directed with the water you plan on using to water in your tomatoes.  Get a plastic cup, at least sixteen ounces (500mL), to use to water in your tomato plants.

If you plan on caging your tomatoes, you will want to plant your tomatoes farther apart than if you plan on staking your tomatoes.  Caged tomatoes need space for you to be able to walk around the entire plant.  Staked tomatoes will rely somewhat on their neighbors for support, consequently they need to be planted more closely to each other.  Generally speaking, have at least three feet between your tomatoes if you cage them, one to two feet if staked


Now, your garden area is ready for planting.  I have chosen to use Jungle Growth Flower and Vegetable top soil. I purchased it at Wal-Mart.  When I plant the tomatoes in the ground, I use a garden spade to make a hole.  Then I put a layer of soil into the hole.  Now, I take a tomato plant and put one hand on the rim of the cup with the stem between my fingers and turn the cup upside down and gently squeeze and shake the cup until the plant falls from the cup.  This works more easily if the soil is dry, so do not water for a few days before planting.

 

Take your now free plant and gently but firmly press it into the soil.  Now, add more soil until it just reaches the first set of true leaves.  You may think they are too close to the ground, however, they will grow and cause more room to be between the first leaves and the ground long before it could become a problem.  Now, thoroughly water in your tomato plant.  Continue to do this until you have planted all your tomato plants.  After planting and making certain the sun will not burn your plants, you will want to fill a sprayer with the Neem solution and spray your plants with it.  Be certain get the undersides of the leaves as many destructive insects lay eggs on the undersides.

This how the tomato section of my garden appears.  Yours should appear very similar to this.  Now, pay attention to the leaves of your plants as they will tell you what the plant needs.  Healthy leaves will appear almost artificial, with a deep green color.  If you planted with purchased top soil or compost you should not have any problems with lack of nutrients.  In a few short weeks you will have plentiful tomatoes.  Water only in the morning or evening.  Thoroughly soak the roots each night for a week to ensure good rooting; then allow to dry for a day or two before watering. If you are unsure, push your index finger into the soil. If you feel moisture you do not need to water. If it is dry, you need to water.

How To Grow Cucumbers/Growing Cucumbers


How To Grow Cucumbers/Growing Cucumbers


Cucumbers are popular additions to salads and, therefore, many gardens. Novice gardeners may wonder how to grow How to grow cucumbers/growing cucumberscucumbers. Growing cucumbers is actually quite easy. Despite this fact, cucumbers require somewhat more care than do tomatoes or peppers.

Cucumbers grow on vines that prefer to climb off of the ground. This requires some planning on your part. Providing a trellis for your cucumbers will help them to climb, thus improving air circulation around the leaves. Increasing air flow helps to maximize carbon dioxide/oxygen transpiration in your cucumbers. As carbon dioxide is necessary for photosynthesis, therefore increasing carbon dioxide in your cucumbers can increase photosynthesis in your cucumbers. If you grow your plants in a climate controlled area, you can significantly increase carbon dioxide saturation. However, be certain to maitain carbon dioxide saturation between ten and twelve percent.

How to grow cucumbers/growing cucumbersCucumber seeds should be sown individually; preferably in peat pots, which can be planted directly in the ground. This is advised as cucumber seedlings do not tolerate root disturbances very well.

Cucumber seedlings are ready for the outdoors after they have grown two or three true leaves. This will be approximately two to three weeks. Plant cumber seedlings just to the seed leaves (cotyledons).

You should encourage your cucumbers to branch after they have grown four leaves. Branching causes two stems to grow where once there was only one. To do this, simply pinch off the end of the stem, leaving two leaves. Your cucumber will split at this point, providing two stems. Place the discarded vegetation in your compost pile.How to grow cucumbers/growing cucumbers

In an effort to grow better fruit, you might want to try removing all but four cucumbers from your plants. When the fruits first appear, pick the baby cucumbers by hand. Simply pinch the stems between your forefinger and thumbnail. Marinate the baby cucumbers in your favorite vinaigrette dressing in the refrigerator overnight for a cool summer afternoon treat.

If you have limited space in your garden, you may want to try smaller hybrids such as the Spacemaster or Salad Bush varieties. Providing you supply adequate water, these varieties will even produce from a large container on your patio or porch.

Types of Cucumber


How to grow cucumbers/growing cucumbersThe most popular type of cucumber are the slicing cucumbers. This includes varieties such as Straight 8 cucumbers and Marketmore 57 cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers need to be peeled, as they contain chemicals that cause digestive gas. These chemicals are stored just below the skin. Chinese cucumbers and burpless hybrid cucumbers do not have the chemicals that cause digestive gas. Varieties include: Orient Express cumbers, Sweet Success cucumbers, Green Knight cucumbers and the Original Burpless cucmbers.

Shorter, thicker and lighter in color; pickling cucumbers produce more, yet smaller, fruits that generally ripen all at the same time. Those that seek to harvest large batches of cucumbers will appreciate this. Nation pickle cucumbers, Calypso cucumbers and Picklebush cucumbers are good varieties of pickling cucumbers.

It is fun to grow unusual varieties of any plany, and this includes cucumbers. A sweet tasting heirloom variety is known as the How to grow cucumbers/growing cucumbersLemon cucumber. It produces fruits that are yellow and approximately the size of a baseball. Boothby’s Blond is an heirloom from Maine that produces pale yellow fruit with black spines. White Wonder cucumbers are pickling cucumbers that is ivory colored and popular in Europe.

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