Still lots of cucumbers hiding under the leaves in my vine filled cold frame. It seems this is a good spot for them. I notice that most other cucumber patches around here have turned brown and stopped producing. I think the frame has sheltered them well in this hot dry summer. I'm starting to get a little mildew on the leaves now, but not too bad.
I can't even come close to eating them all. I meant to make pickles, and maybe I will soon, but I haven't had time to do this yet.
But maybe I won't have extras now, because I've discovered a nice way to use them: tiny baby cucumbers in a martini! A perfect way to eat a whole cuke in one bite.
I'm amazed that your cucumber vines still look so healthy. Mine had succumbed to cucumber beetles and powdering mildew weeks ago. I think I'll have to do successive plantings next summer to extend the harvest.
ReplyDeleteMy cucumbers have always done best in my side yard garden where it is very sheltered. I planted the same seedlings this year in my parents open garden and they petered out a while ago. I think maybe shelter and wind blocks help them, keeping in humidity and warmth. Sand Hill says to leave row cover on until flowering. I've never done successive planting for cukes. I think doing what you can to keep them warm, sheltered, and off the ground is best.
ReplyDeleteAlso watch stems for borers. With a little borer damage, plants become susceptible to mildew and insects. I had bad borers on my squash stems this year. Next year I'll be looking for a tape of some type to wrap lower stems.
Beautiful cucumbers. Ours went to Mildew Heaven. :(
ReplyDeleteI had to check why martinis was listed in a garden blog...now I get it! Very clever idea for using them in a martini and probably a great conversation starter too.
ReplyDeleteMartinis don't really belong in a gardening blog - of course. Its just my thing. I think its important to celebrate big events - like a super pumpkin harvest or the first cucumber of the season. The Harvest moon. Or a beautiful spring rain. And martinis go well with almost any vegetable or fruit.
ReplyDeleteCheers!