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How To Keep Cucumber Plants Healthy & Thriving During The Summer Heat
By Kate Nicholson
Cucumbers that grow to be misshapen, tasteless (or bitter), and crunch-less are the result of water stress. For the best results, water them daily, deeply, and on a set schedule.
With a shallow root system, adequate watering is crucial for a cucumber's flower and fruit development. Aim for at least 1 inch of water weekly.
If temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, switch to every one to two days. Cucumbers in sandy soil or on a trellis may also require more frequent watering.
Soak the soil to a depth of anywhere between 6 and 12 inches, and water in the morning to reduce the potential for waterborne diseases on leaves and stems.
Regularly test the soil to see how well it's retaining water. If the dirt feels dry to the touch, or if none will stick to the end of a screwdriver, it likely needs water.
For the greatest accuracy, insert a moisture gauge up to 4 inches into the soil. The ideal you're aiming for is no less than 65 percent of the soil's total water-holding capacity.