Advice on growing mini cucumbers

Nel_Staffs

Hi all.  I've decided I'd like to have a go at growing mini cucumbers this year, the smaller 3-4in ones. I have a small south facing rear garden, in Staffordshire.

Ideally, I'd like to grow the plant/s in a pot. I don't have a greenhouse, but do have a raised cold frame, similar to this pic. The shelving is removable, so pots can stand  on the ground if necessary.  Any advice on variety or  growing conditions would be very welcome. I'd only want to grow sufficient for 2 people.   Thank you 😊 

chicky

I grow mini munch in pots every year - they produce loads of fruit and are very tasty.  One plant would do 2 of you (I have 3 plants but we like cucumber soup 🤣).

Grow mine in a Greenhouse, but have also planted spare seedlings in a bed outside and they did well, so I’m sure your set up would work.  Just make sure they don’t get any frost.

Nel_Staffs

Thanks @chicky 😊

LunarSea

I grow a variety called 'Picolino' in the greenhouse. As @chicky hinted, don't start them too early cos' they don't like cold at all. I lost my first sowing last year but the new one soon got going. Pot them up in a big container cos' they don't like drying out.

When they come, they come, so you'll probably be inundated for a few weeks.

Nel_Staffs

Thanks @LunarSea. That's useful info. 😊

Dovefromabove

They are very productive and rewarding to grow. We usually have two plants for the two of us … that gives us plenty to eat fresh plus enough to make a batch or two of this … delicious 

Sweet cucumber pickle

2lb cucumber
1 large green pepper
2 large onions
2 oz salt

½ pt cider or wine vinegar
8 oz soft brown sugar
½ tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp celery seeds
1 dsp mustard seeds


Wash cucumber but do not peel.
Peel onions.
De-seed pepper.

Thinly slice all prepared vegetables and place in a large bowl.
Add salt and mix well.
Cover and leave to stand for at least 3 hours.
Rinse vegetables well, in a colander, under running, cold water.
Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Place in a large pan, add vinegar (I usually use ordinary white distilled vinegar) and bring to the boil.
Simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 mins (well, I found it a bit longer).

Add sugar and spices to the pan, stir to dissolve and boil for a further 10 mins.

Pour hot pickle into hot, sterilized jars and cap immediately with sterilized lids. 

😋 

Emptyheadtime

I have struggled the last few years growing decent cucumbers outside in pots. I tried suprina for a couple of years, they were ok, but the skins were quite thick which I believe happens more with ones grown out doors. Last year I tried crystal Apple but they were so bitter I just couldn’t eat them, I think they got too stressed in the heatwave. This year I am having my last throw of the dice with cucumbers outdoors in pots and trying la diva. If they are no good I will be giving up on growing them outside and wait for the day I have a Greenhouse before trying again.

Nel_Staffs

Ooh thank you @Dovefromabove. Sounds delicious. 😋

Well, this will be my first attempt @Emptyheadtime, so nothing ventured..  If we have a decent summer, there'll be plenty of sunshine and heat in my garden. If not, the raised cold frame works very welI keeping the temperature up. I do have water butts, so it only going to cost me time and  compost.  Fingers crossed 😊

Dovefromabove

I found Mini Munch to have a reasonable skin. 

Nel_Staffs

That's the one I shall try @Dovefromabove 😊

philippasmith2

Growing cukes outside always seem to result in a thicker skin than those grown under cover.  Ridge Cukes - bred to grow outside - will always be thicker skinned.
I noticed it particularly last year when I grew Beth alpha for the first time.  Some in the GH and some outside.  Thicker skins outside and I'd always assumed it was similar to us putting a fleece/coat on when out in the cold.  The cukes don't have that option so a thicker skin protects them to an extent.