How to Set Out Cucumbers

If you live in an area with a short growing season or would like early cucumbers, start your crop indoors and plant seedlings outside once the last frost date has passed. Cucumber roots are susceptible to damage, so use peat pots that can be planted directly into the ground. You'll want to start the seeds no earlier than four weeks before the last frost date to prevent seedling roots from entangling by becoming too long for the pot.

Peat pots
Seed starting mix
Cucumber seeds
Watering can, water
Cultivator
Compost
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Place the peat pots on a work surface and fill with seed-starting mix.
- 2
  Plant one cucumber seed approximately 1/2-inch deep in each peat pot. Cover over each seed and gently firm the soil with your fingers. Wait until no sooner than four weeks before the last frost date to begin planting.
- 3
  Water the peat pots thoroughly. Harden off the seedlings approximately two weeks before the last frost date has passed by setting the pots outdoors in a partially shaded area for longer periods each day. Bring them in at night.
- 4
  Prepare the soil in your garden with a hand cultivator, working compost into the soil. Use a trowel to dig holes large enough to completely cover each pot approximately eight inches to a foot apart.
- 5
  Place one peat pot into each hole. Cover over the pot with soil and gently pack around the seedling with your hands. Water the planted seedlings thoroughly throughout the growing season.

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