Author Topic: Gardening Tip of the Day  (Read 71824 times)

EarthBoxAdmin

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Gardening Tip of the Day
« on: June 14, 2017, 08:19:24 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, John. This user is located in Zone 5. This was originally posted on May 12, 2011.

                                            Cucumbers
This year, we are receiving many, many calls about cucumbers.  Many of our strictly tomato EarthBox users are expanding their EarthBox gardens to include their second favorite crop; the cucumber.  Here's some quick tips about growing them!

1.  Cukes are particularly picky about being picked!  The vines should be harvested daily.  Don't wait until the fruits look like footballs.  If a cucumber grows too big, the plants productions slows or sometimes stops altogether because the seeds are hardening or aging in the fruits. This process sends a signal to the plant that the season is over.  The plant will then naturally decline.
 
2.  Cucumbers grow "grabbers" or tendrils.  This plant naturally tries to grow UP.  Providing a trellis will allow for airflow between the foliage.  The EarthBox Staking System is the ideal solution.  This accessory can easily be added to your EarthBox at any time and your EarthBox will still remain mobile.

3.  Watch for the dreaded cucumber beetle.  They feed on young cucurbit plants and transmit bacterial wilt that will not be visible at first. Many safe organic products are available that will control and prevent the cucumber beetle from doing damage (not harming beneficial) while preventing powdery mildew; a fungus that is common to cucumbers. Follow label directions.  Horticultural soaps will not effectively control this beetle.

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2017, 08:20:53 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The Earthbox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on June 22, 2011.

 I would have to add 2 things to these cucumber growing tips that are excellent. Beware of powdery mildew, particularly in humid climates, it can be detrimental to the plants (use a fungus control weekly). Second, consider successive plantings, most people will plant all the cucumbers at the same time, this usually creates an enormous amount of harvest at once, and an early ending to a wonderful garden producer. I do consecutive biweekly plantings from mid May till July 15, this way, I usually have cucumbers from the third week of June until killing frosts (hopefully late October). Before I started doing this, my plants got tired, went into early retirement, just when my tomatoes really started to ripen, I had no cukes to speak of. Right now, my 4 cucumber boxes have a maximum of 2 plants in each box, this weekend, they will each get a new young addition. I learned this successive planting trick from one of the best "truck farmers" in our area about 20 years ago.  He would do this with direct seeding by the row in his fields right up until early July, I have found with the EarthBox I can stretch it till mid July.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2017, 08:56:46 am by EarthBoxDD »

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2017, 08:23:04 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, writeone. This user is located in Orlando, FL, Zone 9B. This was originally posted on June 22, 2011.

I almost missed this post, I thought it was an administrative issue based on the topic.

So, Kathy, with 2 cuc plants at a time, you keep weening the old and replacing with the new. And, you have enough boxes that you do that every two weeks. I'm picturing the first box gets planted, the next box 2 weeks later, etc. At the end of 8 weeks you're back to box one and exchange the old plants for the new. I've never grown cucs, but plan to in future. Sorry if this is an ignorant question. Thanks for your help.

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2017, 08:24:30 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The Earthbox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on June 22, 2011.

Actually, I should have been more clear, I never replace the old plants, just add a new plant every 2 weeks, and I do 5 plants per box. I also start a new "late cuke" box or two right about now, as I just pulled the last of my radishes from an EarthBox, and by this weekend my spinach box will be retired.

Good idea on the topic...I think I will start a new topic Gardening Tip of the Day and move Johns and the following posts.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2017, 08:56:57 am by EarthBoxDD »

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2017, 08:25:05 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, writeone. This user is located in Orlando, FL, Zone 9B. This was originally posted on June 22, 2011.

So you start with a maximum of 2 then add? And there is no problem with the stronger plants being stingy with the nutrients?

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2017, 08:25:41 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The Earthbox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on June 22, 2011.

Absolutely no problem, tested and proven for several years.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2017, 08:57:10 am by EarthBoxDD »

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2017, 08:28:13 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, BronxBaby. This user is located in Bronx, NY Zone 7b. This was originally posted on June 22, 2011.

What about light weight garden cloth for the bugs? Will it also protect from mildew?

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2017, 08:29:41 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The Earthbox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on June 24, 2011.

My guess would be no, the netting would not protect from mildew.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2017, 08:57:24 am by EarthBoxDD »

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2017, 08:31:20 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, deep. This user is located in Zone 5a, Northern Indiana. This was originally posted on February 23, 2012.

If growing your cucumbers in a greenhouse or have issues with pollination, try a parthenocarpic (grow fruits without pollination) variety.

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2017, 08:32:59 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, oldsarge. This was originally posted on March 6, 2012.

I have read your growing method and am using it this year. I planted 3- 4 cuc plant last weekend and have six more about 1 high in a green house. once they get a little bigger I will transplant one each week. Tampa is now running on a cool night high 50s day time close to 80. things are beginning to happen. looking forward to a great growing season and lots of pickles. thanks again for a great idea. big sarge

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2017, 08:33:53 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The Earthbox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on March 6, 2012.

I am envious Sarge....I am a little less than 3 months away before planting cukes in an EarthBox
« Last Edit: June 14, 2017, 08:57:42 am by EarthBoxDD »

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2017, 08:35:54 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, ErnieHodge. This user is located in Lake Panasoffkee, FL, Zone 9a. This was originally posted on
March 6, 2012.


I'm glad I found this before I planted my cucumbers. (And by the way Kathy, Im trying the Alibi, County Fair and Sweet Success. I may not have enough EBs.)

What type of fungus control do most FL EBers use? I would like to know before I need to get something under control.

As far as beetles, I have Spinosad that killed the little rascals that almost did my cucs in last fall so I will use that again.

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2017, 08:36:51 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The Earthbox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on March 6, 2012.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, ErnieHodge. This user is located in Lake Panasoffkee, FL, Zone 9a. This was originally posted on
March 6, 2012.


I'm glad I found this before I planted my cucumbers. (And by the way Kathy, Im trying the Alibi, County Fair and Sweet Success. I may not have enough EBs.)

What type of fungus control do most FL EBers use? I would like to know before I need to get something under control.

As far as beetles, I have Spinosad that killed the little rascals that almost did my cucs in last fall so I will use that again.

Ernie: If you are not Pro Organic....the best is Funginol  also known as Daconil, excellent and also prevents late blight on tomatoes. Love the Alibi and the Sweet Success! Good Luck!
« Last Edit: June 14, 2017, 08:57:54 am by EarthBoxDD »

EarthBoxAdmin

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2017, 08:38:17 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, deep. This user is located in Zone 5a, Northern Indiana. This was originally posted on March 6, 2012.

I will 2nd Kathy's response that sprays with Chlorothalonil as an active ingredient work well.  Its better to prevent fungus than catch up killing it.  However, Chlorothalonil did great for me.  Having grown Sweet Success for a couple years, it is great tasting and nearly seedless should you isolate it from other varieties.

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Re: Gardening Tip of the Day
« Reply #14 on: June 14, 2017, 08:40:37 am »
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, seansmum. This user is located in Queensbury, NY, Zone 4-5. This was originally posted on March 6, 2012.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, deep. This user is located in Zone 5a, Northern Indiana. This was originally posted on March 6, 2012.

 Having grown Sweet Success for a couple years, it is great tasting and nearly seedless should you isolate it from other varieties.

Why is that?