- 1). Water cucumber plants slowly with 1 inch of water every week, allowing it to soak the soil to a depth of 6 inches. To prevent the spread of fungal diseases, irrigate the soil early in the morning or afternoon so the foliage is dry by evening. Use a soaker hose that encourages the roots to travel deep in the soil in search of water. Reduce frequency of irrigation later in the growing season to assist fruit production.
- 2). Spread a 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch such as compost, straw, peat moss or grass clippings over the cucumber garden during early summer to deter weeds and retain soil moisture. Space the mulch 2 to 3 inches from the stems of the plants to prevent direct contact that encourages rot.
- 3). Fertilize the cucumber garden using 3 to 4 lbs. of a well-balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100-foot row space prior to planting. Side-dress growing vines with 2 lbs. of the fertilizer every two weeks if the soil is sandy and once every three weeks if the soil is heavy.
- 4). Train growing cucumber vines that otherwise spread from row to row on a trellis or cage to limit damage by pests and increase sunlight exposure. Set 3-inch-wide wooden posts 6 feet high and 15 to 20 feet apart in a row. Run a length of 12-gauge wire 1 foot below the top of the posts and another identical length parallel to it, 1 foot above the ground. Secure vertical lengths of plastic twine between the parallel lengths of wire, spaced 1 foot apart. Secure the vines of climbing cucumber varieties to the wire and twine with nylon strips to encourage them to grow and spread on the trellis.
- 5). Inspect cucumber plants for pests such as cucumber beetles, aphids, flea beetles and squash bugs. Spread a floating row cover over the plants in the cucumber garden or apply a registered insecticide. Control diseases such as powdery mildew (grayish-white powder on leaves), bacterial wilt (caused by cucumber beetles), leaf spot and septoria with foliar applications of a registered fungicide.
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