Cucumbers benefit from growing with a single main stem that is tied to a vertical stake, cane or string. This is known as training the cucumbers. Training cucumbers to grow where you want them to is easy and should enable you to make the most of their growth.

Steps

  1. 1
    Plant the cucumbers in growing bags or pots if growing in a greenhouse. Otherwise, plant them in the garden as usual.
  2. 2
    For cucumbers growing in a greenhouse:
    • Place the vertical stake item between each bag or pot and extend it to the eaves of the greenhouse roof.
    • Place horizontal wires or string along the roof length.
    • Train the cucumbers to grow up the stake and then along the wire or string. The cucumbers will hang down as they grow.
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  3. 3
    For cucumbers growing in the garden:
    • Insert the vertical stake item between each cucumber plant into the soil.
    • Tie horizontal wire or string along the top end of each stake. You might need to add additional stakes for stability of the growing string.
    • Train the cucumber plants to grow up each stake and then along the wire or string.
  4. 4
    Tie each cucumber plant onto the support as it grows.
  5. 5
    To facilitate the correct growth, be sure to pinch out all side shows, flowers and tendrils until the cucumber plant reaches the wire or string. At this point, train two sideshows to run along the horizontal wire or string.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What is a "side show" on a cucumber plant?
    Ninox
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    Side show are stems that appear next to to principal plant. They won't produce fruits, so you can remove them.
  • Question
    What is the importance of pinching in growing cucumbers?
    Ninox
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    By pinching your plant, you help it to produce fruits.
  • Question
    What's wrong with cucumber leaves that have tiny yellow spots?
    Ninox
    Ninox
    Top Answerer
    Likely, your plant suffers from marrow mildew. You can get rid of them with an anti-fungus product.
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Things You'll Need

  • Growing medium (and containers if in a greenhouse)
  • Cucumber plants
  • Stake item, such as bamboo stake, wooden stake, etc.
  • Wire or string; if outdoors, be sure the item used is weatherproof

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 67,856 times.
73 votes - 96%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: September 15, 2021
Views: 67,856
Categories: Growing Vegetables
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