You used to need a greenhouse if you wanted to grow cucumbers, but now with global warming and a more temperate climate, plus an increased number of outdoor varieties bearing smooth-skinned, flavoursome cucumbers, you can grow them outdoors.
Sow seeds in late May or early June, covering the seedlings with cloches for a few weeks, and if you treat them right you should be picking cucumbers by August.
Cucumbers need to be placed in well-drained, rich soil in sun, protected from cold winds. Sow three seeds 2cm deep and 2cm apart and cover with a jar or cloche, until you see the seedlings appearing, which can be thinned out when the first true leaves have appeared. Leave the strongest seedling in.
When the seedling has grown six or seven leaves, pinch out the tip to encourage side shoots, which you can leave to trail over the ground, or prop them up with stout netting. Shoots not bearing flowers should be pinched out.
Cucumber plants need to be kept moist and you should water only around the base of the plant.
Put black plastic sheeting over the soil in summer before the fruits develop, to raise the soil temperature, keep in the moisture and protect fruits from rotting.
Feed with a liquid tomato fertiliser when the fruits are beginning to swell. Cut the cucumbers before they get too big, to encourage further fruiting.
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