Three plantings for an avalanche ofcukes

I’m the most impatient man in the world when the first cucumber harvest is getting close. I just can’t wait. As soon as I find a cucumber 2 or 3 inches long I pick it, brush it off, and eat it.

Because I like cukes so much and because Jan is always trying out new pickle recipes, we grow a lot. I make three plantings: 3 or 4 weeks before the average last spring frost date, using grow tunnels or hot caps; about the time of the last expected frost; and 3 or 4 weeks later. This way we get a long harvest of cukes lasting into the fall. Read the rest of this entry »

A good watermelon or cantaloupe needs a smooth start in warm, well-drained soil, a steady water supply especially when the melons get big, and plenty of heat at ripening time.

Anything northern gardeners can do to trap extra heat for their plants will help them grow bigger, better melons. In the warm states, a steady supply of water is most important.

Melons like well-drained soil and lots of water. It’s not a contradiction. They like to “keep their feet dry” but still get regular drinks of water. Go out to the farmstand with the biggest and sweetest melons and you’ll probably discover the melons are growing in well-drained sandy soil. If your soil is heavy clay and does not drain too well, you’ll get better melons on raised beds. Read the rest of this entry »