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Grow the crispest, sweetest cucumbers in your garden!

Writer's picture: Sara RubensSara Rubens

Have you ever bitten into a homegrown cucumber only to find it unexpectedly bitter? It’s a common hiccup in the cucumber-growing journey, but fear not!

 

Today, we’ll talk about why this happens and how you can ensure your cucumbers are as sweet as summer itself.

 

Why the Bitterness?

 

Cucumbers can develop a bitter taste due to stress. Stress can be caused by a number of factors including uneven watering, extreme temperature fluctuations, and nutrient deficiencies. 

 

The bitterness is actually a form of chemical defense, stemming primarily from compounds called cucurbitacins.

 

Here’s how you can keep your cucumbers sweet and crisp:

 

Consistent Watering: Cucumbers are thirsty plants and prefer consistent moisture. Make sure they get a regular drink, especially during hot, dry spells. Don't let your cucumbers become 'pickled' with stress. Try setting up a routine watering schedule!

 

Soil Love: Enriching your soil with organic compost not only supports robust growth but also helps maintain even moisture levels. Well-nourished soil equals well-nourished plants, which are less likely to produce bitter fruits.

 

Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting cucumbers so here are a couple of tips to ensure you pick them at their peak sweetness:

 

Cucumbers taste best when harvested young and tender. Don’t wait for them to turn yellow—a sign they are overripe and likely to be bitter.

 

Pick cucumbers in the early morning when they are fully hydrated and at their crispest.

 

Implementing these practices will not only enhance the flavor of your cucumbers but also improve the overall health and productivity of your garden.

 

Ready to enjoy the crunchiest, juiciest cucumbers you’ve ever tasted? Let’s make it happen! 

 

As a bonus, try out my favorite cucumber recipe:


Asian Cucumber Salad

• 2medium size cucumber

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Thinly slice the cucumber and place in a mixing bowl.

2 Sprinkle salt on the cucumbers, toss. Let sit for 10 minutes. Drain the water.

3 In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the rice vinegar. Pour over the salted cucumbers.

4 Cover and let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Ready to eat!

 

Happy Gardening and don’t forget to enjoy your produce!

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