When to plant Cucumbers in Oxford

Sow seeds on their edge to a depth of 1.5 cm in modules from 8th May - 15th May. Keep them at 21–24 °C on a warm windowsill or in a propagator. Sow no earlier than this to avoid leggy, root-bound seedlings.

Gradually acclimatise seedlings to outdoor conditions over 15 days from 22nd May - 5th June. Place them outside in a sheltered spot during the day, bringing them in at night. This toughens them up before transplanting.

Plant into a warm, sunny bed around 5th June - 19th June, but wait until local temperatures stay above 12 °C. Space plants 45 cm apart, water them in and protect them if a cold spell returns.

Allow plants to spread naturally across the ground or over a low frame. Do not pinch out flowers, as outdoor varieties need bee pollination to set fruit. Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Keep the soil moist from 5th June, watering at the base in dry weather. Feed container plants every 14 days once flowering starts, switching to a high-potassium liquid fertiliser.

Pick fruits regularly when they reach a usable size from 4th August - 29th October. Cut them from the vine with a knife, harvesting every few days to encourage continuous production. Outdoor varieties may have a shorter season, so pick promptly.