How to make and put up a cucumber net

Pickling cucumbers, or gherkins, are mainly intended for preserving. Yes, you probably remember that slightly sour brine you love fishing your favourite vegetable out of. Some people have taken to planting pickling cucumbers themselves, because in recent years it was quite hard to buy them at a decent price. If you have had success and want to have your favourite cucumbers for open sandwiches again this year, today’s article will certainly come in handy, as it will guide you through the essential job of putting up a net.

Why grow cucumbers vertically?

Although it is a more demanding and more expensive system, it has undeniable advantages:

• healthier plants
• the fruit does not get covered in soil
• a longer harvest period
• it saves space in the bed.

Putting up the net

Let’s take it step by step. First, build a support structure from wooden stakes or, alternatively, iron rods. This is the basis of the future net. Allow for a height of at least 2 metres and drive them in 2 to 3 metres apart. Fix a supporting wire or strong twine to the top. Pay attention at the end of each row, both to the anchoring, which should be solid, and to stretching it sufficiently taut. Fit the polypropylene net itself onto the twine or wire. The advantage is that you can buy it in almost any shop, but you can also use any other suitably durable material.

Some sources state that the mesh size should ideally be 15 x 15 cm. A mesh of 10 x 10 cm is usually sufficient too. Alternatively, attach guide strings to the wire.

Fixing a net for cucumbers

It is generally recommended to remove the side shoots and small fruits growing from the leaf axils up to a height of 30 cm. This helps the cucumber take root and form a good growing area. Remember that cucumbers do not climb entirely on their own, as you see with beans. You have to help them. Wind them around the string and guide them into the mesh. Right from the start of growth, the cucumbers need to be guided into the individual openings of the mesh. Once a plant is taller than 50 cm, you also need to get the side shoots onto the net. The plants must be trained all the way up to the top guide wire. Simply drape them over and leave the plants to grow freely; the growing tip can be pinched out.

Growing cucumbers on a balcony

Don’t be afraid to grow pickling or salad cucumbers on a balcony, a terrace or in a greenhouse. Growing them is not difficult; in fact, it is the same as in the garden. They will thrive on a sunny balcony sheltered from the wind. Plant them in a nutrient-rich growing medium and place them in an attractive designer pot. The depth of the soil should be at least 20 cm. If you decide to grow cucumbers on a balcony, feed them regularly. Water the cucumbers at least twice a day.

Every cucumber is different

Don’t forget that not every cucumber is happy everywhere. For example, coarse-spined pickling cucumbers have a more robust root system, stronger growth and greater vitality, so they are less fussy about climatic and growing conditions. Then there are densely spined varieties, which typically grow in cucumber-growing regions. They grow less vigorously and are more sensitive to cold weather. They will also not thank you if you water them only sparingly, as they need regular watering.

You can use cucumbers in practically anything. They are good for you and healthy, so have them regularly with dinner too.