Cucumber seeds need only 3 or 4 days to germinate but they require very warm temperatures to do so. They are really sensitive to the cold, so start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the planting out day, warming the seed starting soil above 70 degrees to initiate germination. Then keep the seedlings indoors until it warms up outside and the soil is into the 70ºF. + range. Be careful with your transplanting. Cucumbers are delicate and are easily stressed during the process.

The fruit will mature quickly as long as temperatures are warm. If you apply several inches of rich, organic compost to the vegetable bed before you plant, the soil nutrition should be enough to yield a delicious product without supplemental fertilizer. Keep on top of soil moisture to avoid bitter fruit. Water in the morning when the plants will be photosynthesizing and will take up the moisture before the heat causes it to evaporate.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service