I recommend sowing them indoors using plantable pots or large pellets, rather than the small tray cells.
Cucumber seedlings don’t like to be transplanted, and doing so can stunt their growth. The plantable pots will minimize the transplant shock.
Supplies Needed:
◇Seeds
◇Water
◇Plantable pots or large peat pellets (optional)
◇Seed starting soil (optional)
◇Seed trays (optional)
◇Clear tray lid (optional)
◇Heat mat (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the soil or pellets – If you want to direct sow them, then loosen up the top few inches of soil in your garden first.
Otherwise, if you’re going to start them indoors, pre-moisten the pellets or potting soil before filling the trays or pots.
Step 2: Decide how many seeds to plant – Indoors, plant one seed per pellet hole or pot. In the garden, space them about 2.5cm apart.
Step 3: Plant the seeds – Since they are fairly large, they should be planted about a half to one inch deep.
You can either lay them on top of the soil, and gently push them down to the proper depth. Or make holes first, and then drop them in.
Step 4: Cover the seeds – When you’re done sowing your cucumber seeds, fill the hole back in with soil. Then gently press it down to ensure the soil comes in contact with them.
Step 5: Water – After you’re done planting, water them well. Make sure the soil is evenly moistened, but not to the point where it’s soggy or completely saturated.
Step 6: Cover the trays indoors – If you’re starting them indoors, cover the trays with a plastic dome lid, and place them in a warm location. Using a heat mat will help them germinate faster.
CUCUMBER GERMINATION TIME
One of the reasons it’s so fun to grow cucumbers from seed is because they sprout very quickly. Their germination time can be anywhere from 3-10 days.
If you want to speed up germination, then keep the soil warm using a heat mat indoors, or plant them in a full sun location outside.
BT Afrika 