Today I am bringing you a new installment in ‘as the garden turns’. You may remember that back in May I was plagued by something eating my plants. To compensate I planted more and more and more. Eventually the plants won the battle against the pests and I had too much lettuce.
It’s August now, and the lettuce is winding down. But it turns out the overabundance of leafy greens are not going to hold a candle to the overenthusiastic cucumbers.
Back in June I had a dozen or so timid and small cucumber plants. I still have a dozen or so plants, but no one would think of calling them ‘small’ or ‘timid’. They have taken over the whole garden, and they just keep going and going and going. To date I have harvested 18 cucumbers, and there is no end in sight. Luckily my 4-year-old adores cucumber, and the baby’s a fan, too. I’m also pressing friends with at least a few whenever I see them. So far we’re staying on top of the cukes, and I have plans to do some pickling. Although the last time I made sweet pickles I went into labour, so I do find the idea a little intimidating.
You know, gardening is something you just kind of learn as you go. And I’ve learned not to underestimate the ability of a plant to overcome a rough start. Really. Life is tenacious, and will overcome all obstacles. And you want to be able to walk through your yard without becoming entangled in creeping cucumber vines.
I'm very impressed by your green thumb! Wish I was a bit closer – Garden fresh cukes are definitely a a fave of mine
They take me back to my grandmother's garden, and eating them like a banana, right off the vine.
Wow! I remember the attack of the zuchinni which I was foolish enough to plant along with the cukes…and a pumpkin patch! Now I understand why I found several zuchinni in the local Golf Club ladies' locker room with a note saying, "Please help yourself".They just grow and grow.Good work. Enjoy those cucumbers!
I LOVE cucumbers. You’ve inspired me to grow cucumbers next season. I usually just stick with herbs. But then, of course, it looks like I’ll have to dig up my grandmother’s recipe for bread and butter pickles if I have the success you’ve had!
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Your plants look awesome! I am so jealous. I didn’t plant anything this year because I couldn’t get organized but I would like to next year. And I love pickels. I also make homemade relish one year with a friend and it was awesome!
Look at that vine! You know, every year I transplant a dozen cucumber plants. They are timid to start with, and … timid they remain in my garden:(! Except for one year, when I eventually started picking them baby-small to pickle. Med-cucumber salad recipe: thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, cubed feta cheese, black olives, oregano, olive oil, salt&pepper, fresh lemon juice.
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Wow! Beautiful. It’s my dream to have a house with a garden some day.
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Yum! Both my boys love cucumbers, so I’ve been buying lots. Wish we were neighbors!
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They look fantastic! Mine are nowhere near as great (not enough sun/heat this year), but are starting to grow some good ones. Best of luck with the pickling!
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